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Where Rainbows End
From an author hailed for her “great characters”—a brave young woman finds love and adventure in the harsh frontier of nineteenth century Australia (Jo Lambert). After a scandal drove them from their native England, the Noble family have travelled to the other side of the world to start a new life in the Australian colonies. And young Pippa Noble is determined to reclaim their honor by turning her father’s hopes for an outback farm into a reality. But her ambition is frowned upon by a society that believes a woman should know her place. Pippa learns some hard lessons about the unforgiving bush country, sometimes with devastating consequences. When an unfortunate circumstance leaves her tending the farm alone, she is pleasantly surprised to find a helping hand—and a caring heart—in Gil Ashford-Smith, the ruggedly handsome owner of the neighboring estate. But her family’s past comes to haunt her in the form of an unexpected visitor from England, putting everything Pippa has worked for in jeopardy. And she must decide what is worth fighting for—the land she loves, or the man she loves more . . .
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2017
75 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
AnneMarie Brear
64 books286 followersAustralian born AnneMarie Brear writes historical novels and modern romances and sometimes the odd short story, too. Her passions, apart from writing, are travelling, reading, researching historical eras and looking for inspiration for her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 19, 2017
1850 in Sydney and Pippa and her twin Hilary had recently arrived from England with their parents Esther and Gerald Noble. They had fled the country in disgrace; their father had taken one more loan from his good friend to see them start anew in Australia. When Pippa’s father had an audience with the governor which concluded with them owning a large tract of land near Berrima in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, she was thrilled – within days, she and her father ventured by horse and cart to view their land, planning on making a start on the family’s future.
When Pippa met Millie and her small boy Davy in a cottage in Berrima, she knew they would become fast friends. The overseer Pippa’s father had hired was proving to be a solid investment – Robson’s knowledge and work ethic meant Pippa would trust him with her life. As the building of the stables took hold, the valley which was to be their home – their life – took on a whole new meaning to Pippa. She was determined never to have her family go through what they had in the past. And Pippa’s meeting with both the Meredith and the Ashford families gave her added strength – she had good, solid neighbours.
But trouble was afoot – a visitor from England rocked Pippa’s confidence on top of a recent tragedy which had befallen them. What was she to do? She loved her valley – it was hers and no one would tell her otherwise…
Where Rainbows End by Aussie author AnneMarie Brear is a solid, well –written historical fiction novel of early Australian life in the colonies; it depicts well the struggles of new arrivals to become established in a land that was harsh but starkly beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed Where Rainbows End and although I was somewhat shocked at the rather abrupt ending it doesn’t change my rating. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for my digital copy to read and review.
When Pippa met Millie and her small boy Davy in a cottage in Berrima, she knew they would become fast friends. The overseer Pippa’s father had hired was proving to be a solid investment – Robson’s knowledge and work ethic meant Pippa would trust him with her life. As the building of the stables took hold, the valley which was to be their home – their life – took on a whole new meaning to Pippa. She was determined never to have her family go through what they had in the past. And Pippa’s meeting with both the Meredith and the Ashford families gave her added strength – she had good, solid neighbours.
But trouble was afoot – a visitor from England rocked Pippa’s confidence on top of a recent tragedy which had befallen them. What was she to do? She loved her valley – it was hers and no one would tell her otherwise…
Where Rainbows End by Aussie author AnneMarie Brear is a solid, well –written historical fiction novel of early Australian life in the colonies; it depicts well the struggles of new arrivals to become established in a land that was harsh but starkly beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed Where Rainbows End and although I was somewhat shocked at the rather abrupt ending it doesn’t change my rating. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for my digital copy to read and review.
June 9, 2017
Novels about Colonial Australia are always a winner for me. That period from the mid-1800s through to Federation was so formative for our nation so I never tire from reading stories that bring that era to life. Where Rainbows End is a good addition to this category, set in 1850 and focussing on a family who have migrated from England to the Colonies with the intent on re-making themselves and leaving their shameful past behind. I enjoyed the story of Where Rainbows End and found the whole notion of the impoverished gentry migrating for a reinvention quite an interesting one. A lot of novels about Colonial Australia have characters from the working classes seeking their own place and carving out their own better futures, so this was an interesting lens to view Colonial History through. However, while the main family within this novel is impoverished gentry, AnneMarie has created many other characters from all walks of life for this story, each of them taking advantage of the opportunities the Colonies had to offer to those who were willing to work hard and live rough. This demonstration of Australian History through story telling was very well done and AnneMarie has a fluid style of sprinkling facts throughout that is to be admired.
In terms of character, Pippa Noble was the main character of this novel, and while we had occasion to experience another person’s perspective, it was only ever to shed light on something Pippa was unable to, and was quite infrequent. Pippa was a strong character from the outset, and I quite admired her initially, however, as the novel progressed, my liking of her deteriorated and unfortunately was never renewed. I found that as her fortunes progressed, her character diminished, and there were times were her dialogue and interactions with other characters came across as brash and arrogant. I also have problems with characters who consistently want something after they’ve lost it. This has always bothered me and I can rarely get past it. I found with Pippa, she seemed so entirely self-absorbed and single-minded. The more she had, the more she wanted and she was entirely blind to the affections of those around her. Her treatment of Grant, who albeit, did not act honourably to her, was still not entirely justified. Her treatment of Gil was appalling, and I confess that the ending that panned out was not my chosen preference. I feel she got off easy and I’m not convinced she deserved the ending she received. All of this is of course my own views and I expect that anyone else reading Where Rainbows End might actually adore Pippa and find her an incredibly strong and brave woman, so take all of this with a heavy grain of salt! I am just rather fussy on characters.
The pacing of the novel was a little fast in places for my liking. There were times when quite a chunk of life seemed to have passed us by, particularly towards the ending. I am a fan of longer novels though, particularly a long historical, so I personally wouldn’t have minded lingering over passages of time for a bit longer. However, this was an action packed story, a real rollicking adventure from start to finish, so perhaps the fast pacing was more complimentary overall than slowing things down would have been.
There are plenty of tense moments throughout, occasions of great sadness that make you contemplate the harsh nature of life during Colonial Australia. AnneMarie has done a fantastic job of bringing the unforgiving landscape to life, in all of its beauty and danger. If you enjoy action packed Australian History with strong female characters, then you will definitely enjoy Where Rainbows End.
Thanks is extended to the publisher, Choc Lit, via Netgalley, for this copy of Where Rainbows End for review.
Where Rainbows End is book 35 in my 2017 Australian Women Writers Challenge.
#aww2017
In terms of character, Pippa Noble was the main character of this novel, and while we had occasion to experience another person’s perspective, it was only ever to shed light on something Pippa was unable to, and was quite infrequent. Pippa was a strong character from the outset, and I quite admired her initially, however, as the novel progressed, my liking of her deteriorated and unfortunately was never renewed. I found that as her fortunes progressed, her character diminished, and there were times were her dialogue and interactions with other characters came across as brash and arrogant. I also have problems with characters who consistently want something after they’ve lost it. This has always bothered me and I can rarely get past it. I found with Pippa, she seemed so entirely self-absorbed and single-minded. The more she had, the more she wanted and she was entirely blind to the affections of those around her. Her treatment of Grant, who albeit, did not act honourably to her, was still not entirely justified. Her treatment of Gil was appalling, and I confess that the ending that panned out was not my chosen preference. I feel she got off easy and I’m not convinced she deserved the ending she received. All of this is of course my own views and I expect that anyone else reading Where Rainbows End might actually adore Pippa and find her an incredibly strong and brave woman, so take all of this with a heavy grain of salt! I am just rather fussy on characters.
The pacing of the novel was a little fast in places for my liking. There were times when quite a chunk of life seemed to have passed us by, particularly towards the ending. I am a fan of longer novels though, particularly a long historical, so I personally wouldn’t have minded lingering over passages of time for a bit longer. However, this was an action packed story, a real rollicking adventure from start to finish, so perhaps the fast pacing was more complimentary overall than slowing things down would have been.
There are plenty of tense moments throughout, occasions of great sadness that make you contemplate the harsh nature of life during Colonial Australia. AnneMarie has done a fantastic job of bringing the unforgiving landscape to life, in all of its beauty and danger. If you enjoy action packed Australian History with strong female characters, then you will definitely enjoy Where Rainbows End.
Thanks is extended to the publisher, Choc Lit, via Netgalley, for this copy of Where Rainbows End for review.
Where Rainbows End is book 35 in my 2017 Australian Women Writers Challenge.
#aww2017
May 24, 2017
Normally I don't like reading stories taking place before the year 2000 but the text on the back cover convinced me to give it a try. And I have to admit i really liked the book. It was very well written and it captured my attention the whole time. Maybe it was because this time the woman was not the weak creature pining after a man but a strong character who took her faith in her own hands and did as she pleased and went after what she wanted to achieve.
Of course love is also in the picture. But even a strong woman needs romance and attention, doesn't she?
Lovely read.
Of course love is also in the picture. But even a strong woman needs romance and attention, doesn't she?
Lovely read.
July 28, 2017
Where Rainbows End is the first historical romance I've read set in another country for quite a while now! The Noble family have left England in 1850 to escape the poor reputation they've set due to bankruptcy and debt. Gerald Noble has borrowed one last sum of money to get them started in their new home. Once they arrive however, Gerald becomes ill, and his daughter Pippa is forced to take the reins. She must oversee the building of their new home in the valley, handle the family's finances and secure the respect of the men she is in charge of. It's a tall order for a young woman in this time: can she handle it?
June 2, 2017
A Nobel Place is the heart-warming story of a young woman who learns about the frailty of men at a young age. Her father’s persistent business failures result in his last ditch effort to make his fortune by investing in a parcel of land in Australia he has never seen. Phillippa and her twin sister leave England with their parents, but the culture shock is too much for all but Phillippa, the only member of the family determined to turn this disastrous decision into a home for them all.
Phillippa sets off for the homestead, determined to turn begin a breeding program producing the finest horses in the county. Immediately, she comes up against the late 19th Century prejudices of women in a strange land, together with the vagaries of nature at its most powerful.
When a face from the past Phillippa imagined she had put firmly behind her resurfaces, she finds she has yet another struggle on her hands.
A Nobel Place is a lovely story and from the first page, readers will cry, fight and strive with Phillippa through bush fires, death and danger in the goldfields, until she discovers what, and who she really wants.
Phillippa sets off for the homestead, determined to turn begin a breeding program producing the finest horses in the county. Immediately, she comes up against the late 19th Century prejudices of women in a strange land, together with the vagaries of nature at its most powerful.
When a face from the past Phillippa imagined she had put firmly behind her resurfaces, she finds she has yet another struggle on her hands.
A Nobel Place is a lovely story and from the first page, readers will cry, fight and strive with Phillippa through bush fires, death and danger in the goldfields, until she discovers what, and who she really wants.
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October 18, 2019Rosie and Alex - Best friends of Soul Mates Since Childhood, Rosie and Alex have stuck by each other through thick and thin. But they're suddenly separated when /Alex and his family move from Dublin to America. Rosie is lost without him. Then, just as she is about to join Alex in Boston, she gets life-changing news-news that will keep her at home in Ireland. Their magical connection remains but can their friendship survive the years and miles - as well as new relationships? And always at the back of Rosie's Mind is whether they were meant to be more than just good friends all along. Misunderstandings, circumstances and sheer badluck have kept them apart-until now. but will they gamble everything-inclucing their friendship-or true love? And what twists and suprises does fate have in store for them this time...?
https://www.fahasa.com/
https://www.fahasa.com/
August 27, 2017
I always crave reading a good Australian historical novel. Being Canadian, I have always been fascinated with this continent on the opposite side of the world. Anne Marie Brear, having lived in Australia for numerous years, was able to write an authentic feeling tale that truly thrust me into the era and continent.
She successfully recounted the hardships faced by the new colonists while breathing life into memorable fictional characters. Strong heroines, impossible conflicts, and lovely descriptions grace each page. Anne Marie is one of my favourite authors, evoking emotion and realism into each and every one of her books. Read one of her two books, especially this one and I promise you will never be disappointed.
She successfully recounted the hardships faced by the new colonists while breathing life into memorable fictional characters. Strong heroines, impossible conflicts, and lovely descriptions grace each page. Anne Marie is one of my favourite authors, evoking emotion and realism into each and every one of her books. Read one of her two books, especially this one and I promise you will never be disappointed.
October 17, 2017
Set in Australia in the mid-19th century, this is a lovely adventure story. Pippa and her family have fled to Australia in a bid to recoup the losses of her gambling father. He has borrowed a sum of money from a distant relative to set up a horse stud but it is strong-minded Pippa who actually achieves this in a lush valley. Her determination to be successful drives the plot and it is only when she is in danger of losing the man she loves, that she is able to prioritise her life. I didn’t always like Pippa but one can’t help but admire her persistence and drive. The descriptions of the life and hardships of early Australia are excellently portrayed. I shall definitely be reading more by this author.
July 20, 2018
Bản dịch chất lượng!
Trở thành bạn thân của nhau từ khi lên 7 tuổi, trải qua nhiều cuộc giận dỗi, hôn nhân, cãi vã, li dị,... Mãi đến khi 50 tuổi họ mới thật sự dành cho nhau.
Sự im lặng đôi khi khiến chúng ta bỏ qua những cơ hội để sống thật với tình cảm của chính mình. Cân nhắc quá nhiều, suy nghĩ quá nhiều, đắn đo quá nhiều, lo sợ quá nhiều... tất cả những điều ấy cuối cùng dẫn đến những quyết định phi lý trí, lộn xộn và sai lầm.
Ai bảo bạn thân không yêu được bạn thân! Đối với bạn thân, ta có sự nhiệt thành của một người bạn, có sự quan tâm và lo lắng của một người thân, có sự thấu hiểu của một tri kỷ và một trái tim, một tình yêu chân thành đối với một người khác giới.
Alex và Rosie, thật sự ngưỡng mộ hai người!
Trở thành bạn thân của nhau từ khi lên 7 tuổi, trải qua nhiều cuộc giận dỗi, hôn nhân, cãi vã, li dị,... Mãi đến khi 50 tuổi họ mới thật sự dành cho nhau.
Sự im lặng đôi khi khiến chúng ta bỏ qua những cơ hội để sống thật với tình cảm của chính mình. Cân nhắc quá nhiều, suy nghĩ quá nhiều, đắn đo quá nhiều, lo sợ quá nhiều... tất cả những điều ấy cuối cùng dẫn đến những quyết định phi lý trí, lộn xộn và sai lầm.
Ai bảo bạn thân không yêu được bạn thân! Đối với bạn thân, ta có sự nhiệt thành của một người bạn, có sự quan tâm và lo lắng của một người thân, có sự thấu hiểu của một tri kỷ và một trái tim, một tình yêu chân thành đối với một người khác giới.
Alex và Rosie, thật sự ngưỡng mộ hai người!
June 2, 2017
I always love AnneMarie Brear's strong heroines. Pippa Noble is a great heroine forging a life for herself and her family in Australia in the mid 19th Century. They have come from England and the differences in landscape and lifestyle couldn't be starker. Driven by pride and revenge she is ruthless in her quest to raise her family to their previous status in society. Some hard lessons are learned in the process, and some hard men test her resilience.Perhaps what Pippa really wants has been under her nose all the time. But is she too late to claim it? The breadth and depth of this story hold a reader in its grip right to the end. Fabulous!
October 5, 2017
It's 1850 and even though it isn't what women in that time usually do, Pippa knows she has to help her father with his new business venture. They lost everything and have moved to Australia for a fresh start. Pippa's father has purchased some land and Pippa is determined to make their outback farm a success. While Pippa loves the bush she also soon learns about its dangers. Making friends is very important and without the help of her neighbor Gil Pippa's life would have been a lot harder. When she has to manage the farm on her own her capabilities are truly being tested, will she be able to pull it off?
Where Rainbows End is a terrific story about an impressive young woman. Pippa is smart, hardworking and fearless. I immediately loved her spirit, she has a positive attitude, thinks in solutions instead of problems and knows how to do business. She's an admirable woman, a fierce main character who fights for what she believes in. That makes her story a joy to read. It was amazing to see her grow and I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to see if she'd reach her goals and make her dreams come true.
Where Rainbows End has a gorgeous setting. I fell in love with the Australian landscape straight away and AnneMarie Brear's colorful and vibrant descriptions of Pippa's surroundings are making it come to life incredibly well. She writes about the dangers as well as the exceptional beauty in a fantastic way. I could easily understand Pippa's excitement and seeing the development of the farm through her eyes regularly made me smile.
Pippa is proud and stubborn. She needs those character traits to make it in a world that's mainly being dominated by men. AnneMarie Brear approaches the subject of prejudice in a realistic way and sometimes people's attitudes managed to shock me. I loved how Pippa handles these situations though and how she constantly proves herself to be just as capable as the men around her. She never gives up, which is a large part of the charm of her story. I enjoyed wondering if she'd find her happily ever after in Australia and read Where Rainbows End in one sitting. I love stories about strong women and this is definitely a good one.
Where Rainbows End is a terrific story about an impressive young woman. Pippa is smart, hardworking and fearless. I immediately loved her spirit, she has a positive attitude, thinks in solutions instead of problems and knows how to do business. She's an admirable woman, a fierce main character who fights for what she believes in. That makes her story a joy to read. It was amazing to see her grow and I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to see if she'd reach her goals and make her dreams come true.
Where Rainbows End has a gorgeous setting. I fell in love with the Australian landscape straight away and AnneMarie Brear's colorful and vibrant descriptions of Pippa's surroundings are making it come to life incredibly well. She writes about the dangers as well as the exceptional beauty in a fantastic way. I could easily understand Pippa's excitement and seeing the development of the farm through her eyes regularly made me smile.
Pippa is proud and stubborn. She needs those character traits to make it in a world that's mainly being dominated by men. AnneMarie Brear approaches the subject of prejudice in a realistic way and sometimes people's attitudes managed to shock me. I loved how Pippa handles these situations though and how she constantly proves herself to be just as capable as the men around her. She never gives up, which is a large part of the charm of her story. I enjoyed wondering if she'd find her happily ever after in Australia and read Where Rainbows End in one sitting. I love stories about strong women and this is definitely a good one.
January 25, 2018
No hay palabras para describir como me siento al leer este libro. Me hace sentir alegría desde la primera pagina. No creo que este libro deje de ser mi favorito. Aunque los años pasen y pasen, al leerlo sigo sintiendo la misma ternura y emoción. Me ha hecho cambiar de opinión sobre muchas cosas que pensaba de esta vida. Voy a estar eternamente agradecida por esta historia. Amo infinitamente a Cecelia
October 30, 2022
Another book from Anne-Marie Brear that I could not put down! Following the story of Pippa from arriving in Australia to building a renowned horse stud, I was captured from the first page. Anne-Marie always manages to have so many different sub-plots making the storyline so interesting - always keeping you reading. Only one problem, I didn’t want it to end. I need another story to continue Gill and Pipers story!
June 9, 2017
Pippa is a strong female character who breaks the cycle of the obedient, feeble female of the 1800's. Her struggles and determination to build a successful horse farm in the Australian Outback were absolutely wonderful! Author Brear writes beautifully about the Outback, I had felt as if I was experiencing for myself. Well done! I look forward to more of her novels!
September 21, 2017
This is
the sixth book I have read by this author and once again I was not disappointed. This one set in Australia covered the lives of a family and their tale from being debt ridden to riches. I could not stop reading it and the time is now well after midnight. I would highly recommend AMB's stories. She always comes up with storylines which have a different take on things.
the sixth book I have read by this author and once again I was not disappointed. This one set in Australia covered the lives of a family and their tale from being debt ridden to riches. I could not stop reading it and the time is now well after midnight. I would highly recommend AMB's stories. She always comes up with storylines which have a different take on things.
November 20, 2021
Without giving anything away, I found this book very enthralling. AnneMarie is a very talented writer and she draws you into her character’s web. This is the fourth book I’ve read by this author and each one is full of brilliant descriptive paragraphs to stimulate the imagination. Highly recommended.
August 17, 2023
I am writing this review under the title of A Price to Pay but I read it under its original title Where Rainbow End.
I found it hard to get into at first, but once I rea;;y started reading it could not put it down. AnneMarie's characters always come to life and you can imagine yourself living the story. I enjoyed it very much.
I feel cheated that the title has changed and that you can buy the book twice. Anyway, it was a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐for me.
I found it hard to get into at first, but once I rea;;y started reading it could not put it down. AnneMarie's characters always come to life and you can imagine yourself living the story. I enjoyed it very much.
I feel cheated that the title has changed and that you can buy the book twice. Anyway, it was a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐for me.
June 3, 2017
I loved this well written. The book has a good plot and I loved the setting. This author was new to me and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.
May 23, 2018
I love this time period in Australia. I read as much as I can from this time.
The story was believable and captivating. I like the drive of Pip. She was a real pioneer.
I can't wait for your next book.
The story was believable and captivating. I like the drive of Pip. She was a real pioneer.
I can't wait for your next book.
September 4, 2019
Frustratingly good and something many people can identify with
May 7, 2023
A definite page turner
The story grabs you in each page and you can't wait to get to the next ..
A great read
The story grabs you in each page and you can't wait to get to the next ..
A great read
May 24, 2017
From the first page I was completely drawn into this story of the Noble family. It’s 1850 and they have arrived in Australia to begin a new life. Gerald Noble is a likeable man; he dotes on his twin daughters Philippa and Hilary and is extremely tolerant of his difficult wife Esther who has fought against coming here to live. However, he’s had no option. Losing the family’s fortune due to bad investments and gambling this is his last chance to turn things around. Arriving with a loan from his cousin, he intends to purchase land and open a profitable stud.
Philippa and Hilary may be twins but their personalities are totally different. While Hilary is calm and quiet, Philippa is fearless and ambitious. She is also keen to begin her new life away from the heartbreak and rejection dealt her by a man she really loved. She persuades their father to let her accompany him on his journey to see their land for the first time. As he employs a manager (Rob Robson) to oversee his new workforce and they begin the construction of the stud he is called back to Sydney. Philippa asks to remain insisting someone from the family needs to be there. Reluctantly Gerald agrees. With her father gone she takes charge, embracing her new life with enthusiasm. Her good head for business coupled with common sense become extremely useful as she faces some challenging situations during the construction of the stud and the family home.
This is a lovely read full of great characters. The Australian outback is a wonderful backdrop for the story. It’s described in such a way that it enhances rather than intrudes into the action going on. Philippa (Pippa) is a worthy heroine. She’s tough, confident and single-minded – sometimes a little bossy – and the author puts her through an awful lot of challenges (both mental and physical) before we reach the end of the book.
Gil Ashford-Smith, the son of a neighbouring family, who Pippa meets and becomes close friends with is the quintessential hero. Desperately in love with Pippa he realises all too soon that making a success of her family’s business leaves no room for romance in her life. However, Philippa eventually discovers the path she has chosen, while making her wealthy, won’t bring her love or happiness. But has she left it too late to find those things with Gil?
A fabulous romantic saga. I absolutely loved it!
Philippa and Hilary may be twins but their personalities are totally different. While Hilary is calm and quiet, Philippa is fearless and ambitious. She is also keen to begin her new life away from the heartbreak and rejection dealt her by a man she really loved. She persuades their father to let her accompany him on his journey to see their land for the first time. As he employs a manager (Rob Robson) to oversee his new workforce and they begin the construction of the stud he is called back to Sydney. Philippa asks to remain insisting someone from the family needs to be there. Reluctantly Gerald agrees. With her father gone she takes charge, embracing her new life with enthusiasm. Her good head for business coupled with common sense become extremely useful as she faces some challenging situations during the construction of the stud and the family home.
This is a lovely read full of great characters. The Australian outback is a wonderful backdrop for the story. It’s described in such a way that it enhances rather than intrudes into the action going on. Philippa (Pippa) is a worthy heroine. She’s tough, confident and single-minded – sometimes a little bossy – and the author puts her through an awful lot of challenges (both mental and physical) before we reach the end of the book.
Gil Ashford-Smith, the son of a neighbouring family, who Pippa meets and becomes close friends with is the quintessential hero. Desperately in love with Pippa he realises all too soon that making a success of her family’s business leaves no room for romance in her life. However, Philippa eventually discovers the path she has chosen, while making her wealthy, won’t bring her love or happiness. But has she left it too late to find those things with Gil?
A fabulous romantic saga. I absolutely loved it!
August 12, 2017
AnneMarie Brear's Where Dragonflies Hover was one of my favourite historical reads of last year, and with Where Rainbows End Brear has made the list for 2017 too!
A beautifully written historical novel Where Rainbows End brilliantly depicts early Australian life in the colonies through the eyes of a foreigner, and having never been to Australia myself I lived and learned through the eye of our heroine Pippa as she takes it upon herself to bear the struggles of building a new life in a beautiful, yet harsh and unknown land.
Pippa was the kind of heroine I love. Her fierce devotion to helping her family have the best new beginning, and her willingness to shoulder the burdens herself in order to achieve her dreams made her strong, likeable, and also inspiring. The relationships she forges with those around her, including the respect she earns from the workers on her land, and the others in the area will make you proud of her, as though she is someone you know yourself.
What I loved most about this novel was the perfect timing of the ultra slow-burning romance between Pippa and Gil. The novel takes place over a number of years, and the characters change so much throughout the time after overcoming some of the hardest battles, and through it, Pippa and Gil grow as friends, part and regret as love and jealousy comes to one before the other feels it, and all the while a hope grows in the reader that they will find a way to be happy together.
My only disappointment was that it ended so soon! The last chapter ends so quickly, that you turn the page hoping for more. But this is a firm 5 star read, and a fantastic book for anyone who loves heartfelt historical fiction.
5 Stars!
A beautifully written historical novel Where Rainbows End brilliantly depicts early Australian life in the colonies through the eyes of a foreigner, and having never been to Australia myself I lived and learned through the eye of our heroine Pippa as she takes it upon herself to bear the struggles of building a new life in a beautiful, yet harsh and unknown land.
Pippa was the kind of heroine I love. Her fierce devotion to helping her family have the best new beginning, and her willingness to shoulder the burdens herself in order to achieve her dreams made her strong, likeable, and also inspiring. The relationships she forges with those around her, including the respect she earns from the workers on her land, and the others in the area will make you proud of her, as though she is someone you know yourself.
What I loved most about this novel was the perfect timing of the ultra slow-burning romance between Pippa and Gil. The novel takes place over a number of years, and the characters change so much throughout the time after overcoming some of the hardest battles, and through it, Pippa and Gil grow as friends, part and regret as love and jealousy comes to one before the other feels it, and all the while a hope grows in the reader that they will find a way to be happy together.
My only disappointment was that it ended so soon! The last chapter ends so quickly, that you turn the page hoping for more. But this is a firm 5 star read, and a fantastic book for anyone who loves heartfelt historical fiction.
5 Stars!
May 26, 2017
I love Anne-Marie Brear’s writing and I absolutely adored this book. Pippa is a woman who has been unlucky in love and has put up barriers to avoid getting hurt again. Due to her Father’s gambling the family, including her twin Sister Hilary, have debts and move from England to Australia to forge a new life.
This story focuses on the rebuilding of their lives and although the main character is Pippa (Philippa) Noble, the supporting characters such as Millie, her first friend in Australia and Chalker, a man who lusts after Pippa, are brought to life with the magnificent writing and I found it easy to love and hate characters equally.
Pippa realises that the man she loved, Grant, has never loved her and due to her stubbornness and need for revenge against Grant, she pushes away Gil, a man who is in love with her and would do anything to protect her, but will this need for revenge lead Pippa to danger?
Just like Where Dragonflies Hover, this book took me away from my sofa and due to the brilliance of the descriptive writing whisked me away to the story’s setting, with lines such as ‘overnight dew coated the grass and shimmered like thousands of diamond beads. Necklaces of wet cobwebs adorned shrubs and, on the far side of the valley, mobs of kangaroos grazed’.
I would definitely recommend this book and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed if you decide to read it.
Thanks to Choc-Lit for providing me with a review copy of this book in return for an honest review which is completely my own opinion.
This story focuses on the rebuilding of their lives and although the main character is Pippa (Philippa) Noble, the supporting characters such as Millie, her first friend in Australia and Chalker, a man who lusts after Pippa, are brought to life with the magnificent writing and I found it easy to love and hate characters equally.
Pippa realises that the man she loved, Grant, has never loved her and due to her stubbornness and need for revenge against Grant, she pushes away Gil, a man who is in love with her and would do anything to protect her, but will this need for revenge lead Pippa to danger?
Just like Where Dragonflies Hover, this book took me away from my sofa and due to the brilliance of the descriptive writing whisked me away to the story’s setting, with lines such as ‘overnight dew coated the grass and shimmered like thousands of diamond beads. Necklaces of wet cobwebs adorned shrubs and, on the far side of the valley, mobs of kangaroos grazed’.
I would definitely recommend this book and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed if you decide to read it.
Thanks to Choc-Lit for providing me with a review copy of this book in return for an honest review which is completely my own opinion.
May 24, 2017
I enjoyed this historical read about the hardships that the settlers encountered in 1850s Australia.
Starting their journey in Sydney, Philippa, or Pippa, Noble and family have recently arrived from England. Her father, Gerald, has gambled most of their money away and taken a loan out from a cousin.
He uses the money to buy land in the outback and create a stud-farm, several days journey from Sydney. Pippa is a perfect, feisty heroine who, her father says, should have been a boy. She insists on accompanying her father into rather dangerous country to view the land he's been granted. It isn't a comfortable journey but, when she sees their land, she falls in love with it. Her father is ill and returns to Sydney, leaving his daughter to start the development.
There is much to enjoy about "Where Rainbows End", the fabulous and surprising settings, the hardships the characters face and how they overcome them. I was pulled in by the romance too. Pippa might be a "take-no-prisoners" heroine but she's got a soft, feminine side about her. I very much enjoyed the heartbreaks, the friendships and the would-be lovers that she encounters and I was rooting for her every time.
This is my first AnneMarie Brear book and it won't be my last. I enjoy her simple, yet suspenseful, way of writing that created a compelling story. I found it difficult to put down. Can't say better than that, can you?
Starting their journey in Sydney, Philippa, or Pippa, Noble and family have recently arrived from England. Her father, Gerald, has gambled most of their money away and taken a loan out from a cousin.
He uses the money to buy land in the outback and create a stud-farm, several days journey from Sydney. Pippa is a perfect, feisty heroine who, her father says, should have been a boy. She insists on accompanying her father into rather dangerous country to view the land he's been granted. It isn't a comfortable journey but, when she sees their land, she falls in love with it. Her father is ill and returns to Sydney, leaving his daughter to start the development.
There is much to enjoy about "Where Rainbows End", the fabulous and surprising settings, the hardships the characters face and how they overcome them. I was pulled in by the romance too. Pippa might be a "take-no-prisoners" heroine but she's got a soft, feminine side about her. I very much enjoyed the heartbreaks, the friendships and the would-be lovers that she encounters and I was rooting for her every time.
This is my first AnneMarie Brear book and it won't be my last. I enjoy her simple, yet suspenseful, way of writing that created a compelling story. I found it difficult to put down. Can't say better than that, can you?
May 24, 2017
A wonderful insight into the hard life of an immigrant family arriving in Australia from England in the mid 19th century.
After a financial disaster, Gerald leaves England and takes his wife and two daughters to Australia to start a new life. Australia, in the mid 19th century, is an undeveloped country with endless possibilities for anyone strong enough to face such a challenging life. After obtaining land, the family moves to the bush, where they plan to start a horse-breeding farm. Daughter Pippa is the main driving force for the farm to succeed, but Australia is wholly a man's world in those days and she faces repeated disapproval in her determination to be accepted. Thankfully her life isn't all work, sweat, and tears, she also has laughter and love.
After a financial disaster, Gerald leaves England and takes his wife and two daughters to Australia to start a new life. Australia, in the mid 19th century, is an undeveloped country with endless possibilities for anyone strong enough to face such a challenging life. After obtaining land, the family moves to the bush, where they plan to start a horse-breeding farm. Daughter Pippa is the main driving force for the farm to succeed, but Australia is wholly a man's world in those days and she faces repeated disapproval in her determination to be accepted. Thankfully her life isn't all work, sweat, and tears, she also has laughter and love.
March 27, 2012
I loved A Noble Place. From the start I rooted for the strong female lead, despite or because her well motivated flaws. While Pippa struggles to save her family from financial and social ruin, she overcomes many obstacles in a time when women are not supposed to breed horses or run businesses. But she sacrifices her heart's desires, or rather buries them deep inside, to achieve her goals. She has to climb an even rockier path to find true happiness.
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