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For Their Country's Good #3
On Common Ground
Concluding the tale of Jem and Ella's ill-fated both have been transported as convicts to Van Diemen's Land. Ella and Jem's baby son, William, is dying from malnutrition in the nursery of the female factory at Launceston, where she is imprisoned. In order to save his life, she has put herself forward for marriage, despite already having a legal husband, Harry, and a son, Matthew, in England. Her new 'husband' has gold fever and is taking her and William over Australia's Bue Mountains in search of his fortune. Harry, in England, doubts Matthew is his son, and, desperate for a legal, blood heir, determines to hear the truth of the matter from Ella's own lips and sets out to find her. Jem, meanwhile, still a prisoner in Impression Bay, on Van Diemen's Land's convict peninsula, believes Ella and William are in England. Letters from home suggest she's with Harry, and is happy, but can Jem believe that after what Harry has put her through in the past? Unable to rest until he knows she's safe and happy, Jem determines on a further escape attempt to reach England and Ella. Will their paths ever cross again, or is their love not meant to be?
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2017
12 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Bryn
32 books83 followersRebecca lives in West Wales with her husband and dog, where she paints the fabulous coastal scenery and writes historical, mystery, and post-apocalyptic tales with a twist. Her historical novel Touching the Wire won a Gold Medal in the Readers' Favorite 2019 Book Awards and the IAN Book of the Year prize in the same year. The Chainmakers Daughter was a finalist in 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 24, 2017
I arrived at the end of this trilogy in the knowledge that the story and many of its characters would live on in my memory for a long time to come. For me this is the sign of a well-told tale.
In this third book we are treated to more wonderful characterisation and imagery, enabled from a foundation of solid research. Once again we find love, deceit, heartache, hardship, honour, and a host of other things which set this saga apart from other stories. Relationships and the development of character are central to the tale and we see people demonstrating the best and worst of humankind.
The journeys in which the characters are involved could have been skipped over with a few sentences, but in keeping with the earlier parts, we are invited into a world where nothing comes without effort and endurance, for the men, women, children, and animals.
I commend the author for the detail which is present throughout. Occasionally a phrase encompasses a fact related to the period, whether it be in the homeland or the penal colonies. Now and then, something of interest is slipped into a scene and holds the reader in the moment. Having an interest in natural history, I was impressed by the mention of the thylacine and the part played in the tale.
From the opening scenes of this wonderful story the circumstances and plight of women as a subordinate gender is explored, examined and explained in detail. Slavery was alive and well in Victorian times without having to look at the capture and exploitation of indigenous races.
This trilogy ranks in my top ten, and I’ve read a few stories.
Kudos, Rebecca Bryn.
In this third book we are treated to more wonderful characterisation and imagery, enabled from a foundation of solid research. Once again we find love, deceit, heartache, hardship, honour, and a host of other things which set this saga apart from other stories. Relationships and the development of character are central to the tale and we see people demonstrating the best and worst of humankind.
The journeys in which the characters are involved could have been skipped over with a few sentences, but in keeping with the earlier parts, we are invited into a world where nothing comes without effort and endurance, for the men, women, children, and animals.
I commend the author for the detail which is present throughout. Occasionally a phrase encompasses a fact related to the period, whether it be in the homeland or the penal colonies. Now and then, something of interest is slipped into a scene and holds the reader in the moment. Having an interest in natural history, I was impressed by the mention of the thylacine and the part played in the tale.
From the opening scenes of this wonderful story the circumstances and plight of women as a subordinate gender is explored, examined and explained in detail. Slavery was alive and well in Victorian times without having to look at the capture and exploitation of indigenous races.
This trilogy ranks in my top ten, and I’ve read a few stories.
Kudos, Rebecca Bryn.
August 8, 2017
Rebecca Bryn’s trilogy, For Their Country’s Good, delighted me throughout all three books as she maintains the breathtaking suspense from beginning to end. Her characters are so real I can see them as clearly as if they had acted out the story in front of me. And what a story! The love of Ella and Jim endures throughout their trials, hardships, loves and marriages and despite being a world apart. The twists and turns will make you gasp as you try to anticipate the ending whilst the feeling of impending doom hangs over it. Don’t miss this truly amazing trilogy from one of the finest writers of our time.
September 3, 2019
A Fact Based Story!
'On Common Ground' by Rebecca Bryn is a heart-felt romance story, set in the Victorian era.
"Classic: adj. judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality. Kipling. Dickens. Bronte. Austen. Opening any one of these books is the closest to a time machine we will ever have, a gateway to the mores and hopes of the past." (Waterstones) - Bryn's trilogy easily meets this description. Every second, minute or hour of your time invested in Ella & Jem's life will be time well spent.
'On Common Ground' will appeal to fans of trilogies, historical fiction stories inspired by true events, romance stories & works of fine art.
'On Common Ground' by Rebecca Bryn is a heart-felt romance story, set in the Victorian era.
"Classic: adj. judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality. Kipling. Dickens. Bronte. Austen. Opening any one of these books is the closest to a time machine we will ever have, a gateway to the mores and hopes of the past." (Waterstones) - Bryn's trilogy easily meets this description. Every second, minute or hour of your time invested in Ella & Jem's life will be time well spent.
'On Common Ground' will appeal to fans of trilogies, historical fiction stories inspired by true events, romance stories & works of fine art.
May 27, 2019
Book three of 'For Their Country's Good'. Ella is in the midst of a gold rush scenario having married for the well-being of her child. Both Jem and Ella maintain contact through letters but both marry others. Upon striking gold, Ella finds herself a rich widow, returning to England to reconnect with her family and son left behind with his father. Without spoiling the conclusion, this series is worth a publisher and a movie. It is obvious that the author, combined with much research and talent, has provided a brilliant saga of the traumatic lives of those living in that era.
June 12, 2023
On Common Ground( For Their Country’s Good Book 3)
Oh, this book was so good, and Jem’s prayers for himself and his cousins freedom was answered. He thought he lost his soul mate he loved so dearly and she also thought she lost her soulmate’s love forever and when they say God works in mysterious ways and they all got their prayers answered, and it made me cry. Such a wonderful series of books. I totally loved these books!!
Oh, this book was so good, and Jem’s prayers for himself and his cousins freedom was answered. He thought he lost his soul mate he loved so dearly and she also thought she lost her soulmate’s love forever and when they say God works in mysterious ways and they all got their prayers answered, and it made me cry. Such a wonderful series of books. I totally loved these books!!
January 3, 2018
Love everlasting
This story started out slow for me . I almost quit reading it! I am so glad that I kept reading. The trials and tribulations of these people was almost overwhelming. How does one keep moving forward after such horrendous setbacks? Thank you you for a beautiful, fulfilling story!
This story started out slow for me . I almost quit reading it! I am so glad that I kept reading. The trials and tribulations of these people was almost overwhelming. How does one keep moving forward after such horrendous setbacks? Thank you you for a beautiful, fulfilling story!
May 13, 2021
The Trilogy of Historical Fiction
The books were continuous and easy to follow. There were very few editing errors. The author used as much historically accurate data as possible. I am so glad I did not live during those times in which women were of little consequence.
The books were continuous and easy to follow. There were very few editing errors. The author used as much historically accurate data as possible. I am so glad I did not live during those times in which women were of little consequence.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews