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Farmářova žena
Tři generace Australanek žijících ve vnitrozemí, tři různé příběhy, tři různé životy.
Pro Stellu byl život ve vnitrozemí v roce 1946 smířením a kompromisem po hrůzách skončené války.
Pro Jackii znamenala farma v sedmdesátých letech pohádkový život, neboť si připadala jako Popelka, která tu našla svého prince.
A pro Alici, která se do vnitrozemí dostane až v roce 2015, je to příslib nové zářivější budoucnosti.
Stelle se od konce druhé světové války dařilo skrývat tajemství, které nikdy nemělo vyjít najevo. Jenže teď po letech hrozí, že pravda vyjde najevo a rozdělí celou Drummondovu rodinu žijící na farmě Ruthven Downs. V předvečer narozeninového večírku, na němž se sejde nejen rodina, ale i všichni blízcí přátelé, se střetává minulost se současností a odhalení šokující pravdy rozpoutá netušené vášně.
Tato rozsáhlá sága je plná emocí, víry a naděje tří silných žen žijících na odlehlé dobytkářské farmě daleko na severu Queenslandu… žen, které prožívají všechny slasti a strasti lásky a učí se, kdy své milované podpořit a kdy je raději nechat jít…
Pro Stellu byl život ve vnitrozemí v roce 1946 smířením a kompromisem po hrůzách skončené války.
Pro Jackii znamenala farma v sedmdesátých letech pohádkový život, neboť si připadala jako Popelka, která tu našla svého prince.
A pro Alici, která se do vnitrozemí dostane až v roce 2015, je to příslib nové zářivější budoucnosti.
Stelle se od konce druhé světové války dařilo skrývat tajemství, které nikdy nemělo vyjít najevo. Jenže teď po letech hrozí, že pravda vyjde najevo a rozdělí celou Drummondovu rodinu žijící na farmě Ruthven Downs. V předvečer narozeninového večírku, na němž se sejde nejen rodina, ale i všichni blízcí přátelé, se střetává minulost se současností a odhalení šokující pravdy rozpoutá netušené vášně.
Tato rozsáhlá sága je plná emocí, víry a naděje tří silných žen žijících na odlehlé dobytkářské farmě daleko na severu Queenslandu… žen, které prožívají všechny slasti a strasti lásky a učí se, kdy své milované podpořit a kdy je raději nechat jít…
424 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2016
12 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Hannay
411 books295 followersMulti award winning author, Barbara Hannay, is a city bred girl with a yen for country life. Most of her 50 plus books are set in rural and outback Australia and they've been enjoyed by readers around the world.
Barbara has been nominated five times for Romance Writers of America's RITA Award which she won in 2007 and she has twice won Australia's Romantic Book of the Year award.
In her own version of life imitating art, Barbara and her husband currently live on a misty hillside in beautiful Far North Queensland where they keep heritage pigs, hens, ducks, turkeys and an untidy but productive garden.
Visit Barbara's website at www.barbarahannay.com
Follow her on Facebook and Twitter
Barbara has been nominated five times for Romance Writers of America's RITA Award which she won in 2007 and she has twice won Australia's Romantic Book of the Year award.
In her own version of life imitating art, Barbara and her husband currently live on a misty hillside in beautiful Far North Queensland where they keep heritage pigs, hens, ducks, turkeys and an untidy but productive garden.
Visit Barbara's website at www.barbarahannay.com
Follow her on Facebook and Twitter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 10, 2016
When Jackie Drummond takes a mirror from a dresser to be restored and resilvered as a surprise for her husband’s birthday, she does not expect it to unleash a series of secrets that threaten the Drummond family. Hidden behind that mirror, Alice finds an envelope that contains secrets long buried. And so we get to piece the story together from three different time frames. There is Stella whose story starts in the prologue in 1970- but then through the book takes us back to Stella in Singapore at the end of 1941 when she falls in love. The second story is that of Jackie, who from a struggling upbringing with a single mother, cannot believe how her life has changed since she met and married Hugh. The third story is Alice, the furniture restorer and set in 2015. Gradually it is revealed how three stories connect and the secret that have been hidden. Those secrets could have a devastating impact on the Drummond family.
Barbara Hannay has become one of those authors I can depend on to tell a good story with believable characters and an Australian setting beautifully conveyed. Jackie and High’s son Seth is one of the characters presented with a huge surprise which he handles admirably. Despite her sad history with the death of her parents and sister when she was young, I was less convinced about Alice and her reasons for not wanting to start a romance with Seth. And I did think the ending seemed like it was arrived at in a bit of a rush, but they are minor quibbles in what was a very readable story. Initially I bought this book for a friend and I am glad she enjoyed it as much as I did. A good story that is recommended for those who like family stories, Australian stories, romance and family secrets.
Barbara Hannay has become one of those authors I can depend on to tell a good story with believable characters and an Australian setting beautifully conveyed. Jackie and High’s son Seth is one of the characters presented with a huge surprise which he handles admirably. Despite her sad history with the death of her parents and sister when she was young, I was less convinced about Alice and her reasons for not wanting to start a romance with Seth. And I did think the ending seemed like it was arrived at in a bit of a rush, but they are minor quibbles in what was a very readable story. Initially I bought this book for a friend and I am glad she enjoyed it as much as I did. A good story that is recommended for those who like family stories, Australian stories, romance and family secrets.
November 28, 2016
The Grazier’s Wife by Barbara Hannay is another stellar read from an Aussie author who consistently delivers memorable stories. I love multi-generational focussed novels and The Grazier’s Wife is a beautiful book filled with secrets, love, passion and heart breaking decisions.
The discovery of a lost letter hidden behind a family heirloom, a sideboard in the present day, is the catalyst for the unearthing of life changing events from the past for the Drummond family. The current day grazier’s wife, Jackie Drummond, comes across these startling letters which were written by her now deceased mother in law. Jackie quickly realises the content of the letters have to power to disinherit Jackie’s husband Magnus. Jackie must wrestle with the decision to reveal this new information to Magnus, or to keep the secrets of the letters locked away in the past. Meanwhile, Stella’s offspring, her grandson Seth Drummond who works hard at Ruthven Downs, is dealt with a life changing blow. Out of the blue, a love interest from the past returns to Seth, revealing a shocking secret. Interspersed with the present day Drummond family’s lives, is an exploration of the past grazier’s wife’s life, Stella Drummond. Through letters and journal entries, the reader learns about Stella’s colourful life serving as a nurse in Singapore during the war. Stella’s legacy and her time spent in Singapore, holds the key to a major family decision that must be made by the current Drummond clan occupying Ruthven Downs.
Barbara Hannay is an author who I can always trust implicitly to weave a wonderful tale of family, secrets and love, all wrapped up in a fantastic rural setting. The Grazier’s Wife once again proves Hannay’s ability to spin a lovely Australian yarn. The opening scene in The Grazier’s Wife serves to pull the reader into the ensuring story. I was immediately drawn into Stella’s plight, right from the very start. Likewise, Stella’s offspring in the present day, are just as compelling, as they have their own secrets that come to light as the book progresses. Hannay handles the secrets side of this novel well, feeding the reader just the right amount to compel the reader to continue to stay loyal to the story until the end. Hannay has selected her characters perfectly for her latest novel. I enjoyed Stella’s story the most, especially the parts set in Singapore during the war. In fact, it is safe to say, I wanted more from these parts as I adored this story thread so much. Stella’s addictive story is backed up by a number of interesting threads, involving the present day Drummonds. Seth and his love interest Alice’s story was emotional, heartbreaking and compelling. Alice is a complicated character and I welcomed the opportunity to unpack this protagonist’s issues. Seth is a great leading man, who is admirable in the action he takes. Other supporting players, such as Seth’s sister Flora and Deborah, Hugh’s sister, also add further layers to this expansive story. What I appreciated about The Grazier’s Wife, was the movement in setting. Hannay shifts the sense of place in her novel seamlessly. The reader is taken on a journey to Singapore with Stella, through to post war country Australia through to the present day rural setting with ease. No matter where the location, it is easy for the reader to imagine the vivid setting detail. I put this down to Hannay’s descriptive prose. The conclusion to The Grazier’s Wife was satisfying, with the ends tied up very neatly. There was also a heartwarming addition to Stella’s story that came at the end of the novel. I will admit these scenes did reduce me to tears.
The Grazier’s Wife is an affective novel, that captured my heart from the beginning, to the close of the story. As with all Barbara Hannay’s novels, I cannot recommend this author enough. The Grazier’s Wife is a stunning story, filled with secrets from the past, a family battle and an endearing love story that stands the test of time. I definitely recommend The Grazier’s Wife to all readers.
*4.5 stars
https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The discovery of a lost letter hidden behind a family heirloom, a sideboard in the present day, is the catalyst for the unearthing of life changing events from the past for the Drummond family. The current day grazier’s wife, Jackie Drummond, comes across these startling letters which were written by her now deceased mother in law. Jackie quickly realises the content of the letters have to power to disinherit Jackie’s husband Magnus. Jackie must wrestle with the decision to reveal this new information to Magnus, or to keep the secrets of the letters locked away in the past. Meanwhile, Stella’s offspring, her grandson Seth Drummond who works hard at Ruthven Downs, is dealt with a life changing blow. Out of the blue, a love interest from the past returns to Seth, revealing a shocking secret. Interspersed with the present day Drummond family’s lives, is an exploration of the past grazier’s wife’s life, Stella Drummond. Through letters and journal entries, the reader learns about Stella’s colourful life serving as a nurse in Singapore during the war. Stella’s legacy and her time spent in Singapore, holds the key to a major family decision that must be made by the current Drummond clan occupying Ruthven Downs.
Barbara Hannay is an author who I can always trust implicitly to weave a wonderful tale of family, secrets and love, all wrapped up in a fantastic rural setting. The Grazier’s Wife once again proves Hannay’s ability to spin a lovely Australian yarn. The opening scene in The Grazier’s Wife serves to pull the reader into the ensuring story. I was immediately drawn into Stella’s plight, right from the very start. Likewise, Stella’s offspring in the present day, are just as compelling, as they have their own secrets that come to light as the book progresses. Hannay handles the secrets side of this novel well, feeding the reader just the right amount to compel the reader to continue to stay loyal to the story until the end. Hannay has selected her characters perfectly for her latest novel. I enjoyed Stella’s story the most, especially the parts set in Singapore during the war. In fact, it is safe to say, I wanted more from these parts as I adored this story thread so much. Stella’s addictive story is backed up by a number of interesting threads, involving the present day Drummonds. Seth and his love interest Alice’s story was emotional, heartbreaking and compelling. Alice is a complicated character and I welcomed the opportunity to unpack this protagonist’s issues. Seth is a great leading man, who is admirable in the action he takes. Other supporting players, such as Seth’s sister Flora and Deborah, Hugh’s sister, also add further layers to this expansive story. What I appreciated about The Grazier’s Wife, was the movement in setting. Hannay shifts the sense of place in her novel seamlessly. The reader is taken on a journey to Singapore with Stella, through to post war country Australia through to the present day rural setting with ease. No matter where the location, it is easy for the reader to imagine the vivid setting detail. I put this down to Hannay’s descriptive prose. The conclusion to The Grazier’s Wife was satisfying, with the ends tied up very neatly. There was also a heartwarming addition to Stella’s story that came at the end of the novel. I will admit these scenes did reduce me to tears.
The Grazier’s Wife is an affective novel, that captured my heart from the beginning, to the close of the story. As with all Barbara Hannay’s novels, I cannot recommend this author enough. The Grazier’s Wife is a stunning story, filled with secrets from the past, a family battle and an endearing love story that stands the test of time. I definitely recommend The Grazier’s Wife to all readers.
*4.5 stars
https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
July 25, 2016
After the death of her grandmother, Alice Miller decided to rent out the house in Brisbane and move away – far away from all the heartache and memories. Her arrival at the little town of Burralea on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland was filled with hope – the shop she had purchased had living quarters above and she was looking forward to making it her own. Renovating old furniture was a love Alice had inherited from her grandfather and she was looking forward to getting some pieces ready for sale.
Hugh and Jackie Drummond were on their first overseas holiday when they heard some completely unexpected news from Seth, their son. Seth was caring for their cattle station of Ruthven Downs which had been in the Drummond family for generations. Their arrival home two weeks later was filled with delight – after the initial shock they found themselves completely captivated…
When Alice repaired an antique sideboard for Jackie, she stumbled across an old envelope hidden in the back of the mirror and addressed to the Drummond family. The producing of this envelope was the start of a traumatic few months for the family; a time of change and heartache – and the casting back to the second world war and a time that Stella, Hugh’s mother had spent in Singapore as a nurse. She had barely escaped with her life.
As family members descended on Ruthven Downs; Flora, Seth’s sister who was living in Melbourne, Deborah, Hugh’s sister, and her son Xavier – as well as friends from near and far, the celebration was for Hugh’s 65th birthday. But it was destined that the past and the present would collide that night –and long-ago secrets would be revealed. Would there be more heartbreak for the family? And what would be the outcome?
The Grazier’s Wife by Aussie author Barbara Hannay is another gripping historical saga which spans generations and highlights the strengths of women in peril. Stella, Jackie, Alice and Flora have major roles and play them well. The novel moves back to Singapore and after the war years with ease, switching between the present (2015) and the past through a diary of sorts. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and have no hesitation in highly recommending The Grazier’s Wife by an author who is fast becoming one of my favourites.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this digital copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
Hugh and Jackie Drummond were on their first overseas holiday when they heard some completely unexpected news from Seth, their son. Seth was caring for their cattle station of Ruthven Downs which had been in the Drummond family for generations. Their arrival home two weeks later was filled with delight – after the initial shock they found themselves completely captivated…
When Alice repaired an antique sideboard for Jackie, she stumbled across an old envelope hidden in the back of the mirror and addressed to the Drummond family. The producing of this envelope was the start of a traumatic few months for the family; a time of change and heartache – and the casting back to the second world war and a time that Stella, Hugh’s mother had spent in Singapore as a nurse. She had barely escaped with her life.
As family members descended on Ruthven Downs; Flora, Seth’s sister who was living in Melbourne, Deborah, Hugh’s sister, and her son Xavier – as well as friends from near and far, the celebration was for Hugh’s 65th birthday. But it was destined that the past and the present would collide that night –and long-ago secrets would be revealed. Would there be more heartbreak for the family? And what would be the outcome?
The Grazier’s Wife by Aussie author Barbara Hannay is another gripping historical saga which spans generations and highlights the strengths of women in peril. Stella, Jackie, Alice and Flora have major roles and play them well. The novel moves back to Singapore and after the war years with ease, switching between the present (2015) and the past through a diary of sorts. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and have no hesitation in highly recommending The Grazier’s Wife by an author who is fast becoming one of my favourites.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this digital copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
September 14, 2016
A legacy is at risk in this appealing new novel from Barbara Hannay featuring a lost letter and family secrets.
When Alice Miller arrives in the small town of Burralea in the Atherton Tablelands to make a new start after her grandmother’s death, she’s looking forward to opening her antique restoration business and the last thing she’s expecting is to be swept up into another family’s upheaval, when Jackie Drummond asks her to refurbish an old family heirloom in time for her husband, Hugh’s, 65th birthday party.
There’s nothing better than stories with secrets (well, in my opinion that is!) and Barbara Hannay’s novels have that in spades. I’ve read a number of her books now but none of them have quite captured me as much as The Grazier's Wife did.
The blurb alludes to a “sweeping, emotional saga” and you can believe me when I say that it’s exactly what the reader is going to get! I was so emotionally involved in these characters lives (yes - every. single.one. of. them.) that I didn’t want this story to end and I especially related to Alice and Seth’s story – her valid angst at the reasons she has for not getting involved with him and his heartbreaking, almost acceptance, of the fact that there’s nothing he can do for her unless she wants to help herself.
When you read a Barbara Hannay novel, you just know that you’re going to get the best of two worlds – one set in the present day with a rural Australian background and the other set historically on a different continent and this one is no different.
Journeying from 1946 Singapore to present day Australia, the novel is written in two timelines interspersed with a third in the form of Stella’s journal entries. All three narratives are interesting and very well-developed but, for me, the real strength of this novel lies in Barbara’s incredible ability to make the past come alive through Stella’s journal and I found myself trapped in a time-slip that took me to the heartbreaking story of Stella, Tom and Magnus.
As always, Barbara does a great job of making her readers feel connected to her characters. Her descriptions of time and place also excel and she smoothly shifts between each timeline never losing her reader in the maze.
So, if you’re anything like me and enjoy a great story filled with flowing writing, warmth, endearing characters and secrets that echo through the generations, then this one is for you.
A story about family, forgiveness, healing the past and hoping for the future, this one comes highly recommended.
When Alice Miller arrives in the small town of Burralea in the Atherton Tablelands to make a new start after her grandmother’s death, she’s looking forward to opening her antique restoration business and the last thing she’s expecting is to be swept up into another family’s upheaval, when Jackie Drummond asks her to refurbish an old family heirloom in time for her husband, Hugh’s, 65th birthday party.
There’s nothing better than stories with secrets (well, in my opinion that is!) and Barbara Hannay’s novels have that in spades. I’ve read a number of her books now but none of them have quite captured me as much as The Grazier's Wife did.
The blurb alludes to a “sweeping, emotional saga” and you can believe me when I say that it’s exactly what the reader is going to get! I was so emotionally involved in these characters lives (yes - every. single.one. of. them.) that I didn’t want this story to end and I especially related to Alice and Seth’s story – her valid angst at the reasons she has for not getting involved with him and his heartbreaking, almost acceptance, of the fact that there’s nothing he can do for her unless she wants to help herself.
When you read a Barbara Hannay novel, you just know that you’re going to get the best of two worlds – one set in the present day with a rural Australian background and the other set historically on a different continent and this one is no different.
Journeying from 1946 Singapore to present day Australia, the novel is written in two timelines interspersed with a third in the form of Stella’s journal entries. All three narratives are interesting and very well-developed but, for me, the real strength of this novel lies in Barbara’s incredible ability to make the past come alive through Stella’s journal and I found myself trapped in a time-slip that took me to the heartbreaking story of Stella, Tom and Magnus.
As always, Barbara does a great job of making her readers feel connected to her characters. Her descriptions of time and place also excel and she smoothly shifts between each timeline never losing her reader in the maze.
So, if you’re anything like me and enjoy a great story filled with flowing writing, warmth, endearing characters and secrets that echo through the generations, then this one is for you.
A story about family, forgiveness, healing the past and hoping for the future, this one comes highly recommended.
August 21, 2016
I always look forward to a Barbara Hannay novel because her books tick so many of the right boxes for me. The Grazier’s Wife practically ticks them all – a family secret, dual timelines, romance, Australian rural setting and well written. It’s no wonder I powered through this book in just a few days.
The book opens with a bang both in the past and the present. The first grazier’s wife Stella looks to be in trouble and she does what she considers a terrible thing. Then we move to the current day as Seth, the current grazier’s son is working on the family property. He has very few cares in the world – his parents are on a well-deserved holiday and he’s enjoying his work. Then a former short-term girlfriend appears, baby in arms. Little Charlie is now his as she’s going home to marry her fiancé. Seth cops it on the chin and immediately becomes man of the district as he looks after little Charlie as a single dad. Things look sweet again for the Drummond family as life settles into a new routine but when Jackie, Seth’s mum decides to get the family sideboard resilvered, she shakes up Drummond history in a way that nobody expects. Hidden behind the mirror is Stella’s diary of life as a nurse in Singapore and her ‘dreadful’ secret revealed.
The narrative then moves between past and present day as Stella’s life in Singapore during World War II is revealed. How she came to marry Magnus Drummond is revealed as Jackie reflects on her own perceived shortcomings in social status. But it’s Alice, she works on repairing the sideboard who captivates Seth. Alice has her own past that she believes will prevent anything long term with Seth. Can the women move through their problems and the family survive the reveal of Stella’s secret?
Barbara Hannay’s books are always comforting and captivating for me. I love the way that history and the present are tangled together and the characters are always fascinating. Not just Seth, who is the bachelor of the district (seriously, this guy has few flaws) but Stella could have easily had her own book. Her stories in war time were very interesting, particularly as I have an interest in Far North Queensland and Singapore during that time. Alice is wonderfully complex with a lot to work through and it’s pleasing to see her growth throughout the story.
The big secret didn’t quite end up the way I thought it would (which I like, because surprises are good). I feel though that the way the family dealt with the reveal was a bit mixed. It was a really big deal, which I expected. Then Jackie had some practical ideas, which I thought was a good step. Then we had some falling out with Hugh Drummond’s sister, which I thought was a bit petty, but incredibly sweet-natured on Hugh’s behalf. Then everyone calmed down and started to work things out, then it was solved very quickly. So quickly that the Drummond family announced their intentions the very next day. It just seemed to be tied up very neatly, very fast for me. Perhaps the Drummonds are a quick-decision family and the forthcoming party was the next thing on their minds! It certainly didn’t ruin the story for me, but I did feel a little bit, ‘so this is it?!’. I got my happily ever after so I can’t complain too much!
Overall, The Grazier’s Wife is warm and engaging – just what you want to read during a cold winter.
Thank you to Penguin Books Australia for the eARC. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The book opens with a bang both in the past and the present. The first grazier’s wife Stella looks to be in trouble and she does what she considers a terrible thing. Then we move to the current day as Seth, the current grazier’s son is working on the family property. He has very few cares in the world – his parents are on a well-deserved holiday and he’s enjoying his work. Then a former short-term girlfriend appears, baby in arms. Little Charlie is now his as she’s going home to marry her fiancé. Seth cops it on the chin and immediately becomes man of the district as he looks after little Charlie as a single dad. Things look sweet again for the Drummond family as life settles into a new routine but when Jackie, Seth’s mum decides to get the family sideboard resilvered, she shakes up Drummond history in a way that nobody expects. Hidden behind the mirror is Stella’s diary of life as a nurse in Singapore and her ‘dreadful’ secret revealed.
The narrative then moves between past and present day as Stella’s life in Singapore during World War II is revealed. How she came to marry Magnus Drummond is revealed as Jackie reflects on her own perceived shortcomings in social status. But it’s Alice, she works on repairing the sideboard who captivates Seth. Alice has her own past that she believes will prevent anything long term with Seth. Can the women move through their problems and the family survive the reveal of Stella’s secret?
Barbara Hannay’s books are always comforting and captivating for me. I love the way that history and the present are tangled together and the characters are always fascinating. Not just Seth, who is the bachelor of the district (seriously, this guy has few flaws) but Stella could have easily had her own book. Her stories in war time were very interesting, particularly as I have an interest in Far North Queensland and Singapore during that time. Alice is wonderfully complex with a lot to work through and it’s pleasing to see her growth throughout the story.
The big secret didn’t quite end up the way I thought it would (which I like, because surprises are good). I feel though that the way the family dealt with the reveal was a bit mixed. It was a really big deal, which I expected. Then Jackie had some practical ideas, which I thought was a good step. Then we had some falling out with Hugh Drummond’s sister, which I thought was a bit petty, but incredibly sweet-natured on Hugh’s behalf. Then everyone calmed down and started to work things out, then it was solved very quickly. So quickly that the Drummond family announced their intentions the very next day. It just seemed to be tied up very neatly, very fast for me. Perhaps the Drummonds are a quick-decision family and the forthcoming party was the next thing on their minds! It certainly didn’t ruin the story for me, but I did feel a little bit, ‘so this is it?!’. I got my happily ever after so I can’t complain too much!
Overall, The Grazier’s Wife is warm and engaging – just what you want to read during a cold winter.
Thank you to Penguin Books Australia for the eARC. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
October 5, 2016
Barbara Hannay's books are a beautiful balance, always with the right amount of romance to complement superbly crafted contemporary fiction. This plot is complex with great character depth to make us 'feel' and the story structure is such that the book is easy to read. Strong conflict and believable motivations make for some very authentic characters.
July 27, 2016
This one is fabulous it has everything in it that will tick the right boxes for a book that you will not want to put down once you start reading it. Bringing us the emotional and moving story set across three generations of Male Drummonds and three very different heroines and the journeys that they went through with their heroes.
Stella is a nurse working in Singapore in 1946 during the war with danger and excitement but her journey is an emotional roller coaster meeting the love of her life Tom but war time is not so good to her and Tom but she is strong and has made compromises after her return home to Queensland and takes on the role of Graziers wife to Marcus Drummond at the big cattle property Ruthven Downs. Secrets are kept and then threaten to change the lives of many but Tom is never forgotten.
Jackie meets her hero Hugh Drummond in such a fairytale way and love blossoms and now it is Jackie's turn to take on the role of graziers wife after Stella. Jackie loves her life with her loving husband her beautiful children but when a significant birthday is coming up for Hugh, and Jackie organizes a party there is a discovery that could very well change a lot of the Drummond lives.
Alice moves to the small town of Burralea to start her own furniture restoring business she has issues from her past and is happy being single. But when she discovers important old paperwork in furniture that she is restoring for The Drummonds and returns to them she meets Seth Drummond and this really sets of a spark for her could this be the changing of her life and many others? Seth feels this spark as well could he have found his mate after his troubles?
Truly this is a story not to be missed MS Hannay knows how to write a magical story that will grab you from page one a take you on an emotional moving journey with beautiful settings and fabulous people to get to know. You will need tissues for tears and you will be smiling as well the characters are so strong and alive as we journey from Singapore 1946 to Queensland's far north and see what happens to three amazing woman and the loves of their lives, thank you for hours of reading pleasure and a journey that had me smiling.
Stella is a nurse working in Singapore in 1946 during the war with danger and excitement but her journey is an emotional roller coaster meeting the love of her life Tom but war time is not so good to her and Tom but she is strong and has made compromises after her return home to Queensland and takes on the role of Graziers wife to Marcus Drummond at the big cattle property Ruthven Downs. Secrets are kept and then threaten to change the lives of many but Tom is never forgotten.
Jackie meets her hero Hugh Drummond in such a fairytale way and love blossoms and now it is Jackie's turn to take on the role of graziers wife after Stella. Jackie loves her life with her loving husband her beautiful children but when a significant birthday is coming up for Hugh, and Jackie organizes a party there is a discovery that could very well change a lot of the Drummond lives.
Alice moves to the small town of Burralea to start her own furniture restoring business she has issues from her past and is happy being single. But when she discovers important old paperwork in furniture that she is restoring for The Drummonds and returns to them she meets Seth Drummond and this really sets of a spark for her could this be the changing of her life and many others? Seth feels this spark as well could he have found his mate after his troubles?
Truly this is a story not to be missed MS Hannay knows how to write a magical story that will grab you from page one a take you on an emotional moving journey with beautiful settings and fabulous people to get to know. You will need tissues for tears and you will be smiling as well the characters are so strong and alive as we journey from Singapore 1946 to Queensland's far north and see what happens to three amazing woman and the loves of their lives, thank you for hours of reading pleasure and a journey that had me smiling.
August 1, 2016
The Grazier's Wife is a very easy book to lose yourself in.
Set mostly in the present day following the Drummond Family, Jackie Drummond has taken a piece of furniture to Alice Miller be restored before her husband Hugh's 65th birthday party. Alice is the new girl in town. She has decided to have a major relocation in life after her beloved Grandmother's death and has started her own furniture restoration business in the Queensland Tableland town of Burralea. When Alice finds an envelope hidden in the back of a mirror, she returns it to Jackie with no idea of it's ramifications... Inside that envelope is Stella's story who is Hugh's mother.
I really enjoyed this book from Barbara Hannay. I have only read one other and know she has written many, many more.
As previously mentioned the book is mainly set in the present with flashbacks to the 2nd World War in Singapore where Stella was based as a nurse and then to her marriage to Magnus Drummond. This was very easy to follow as it switched tenses and I enjoyed getting to know all the Drummond Family and the gentle romance that was developing between Seth and Alice.
This is a lovely story that reminds us that family is important and change can be good for us.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
Set mostly in the present day following the Drummond Family, Jackie Drummond has taken a piece of furniture to Alice Miller be restored before her husband Hugh's 65th birthday party. Alice is the new girl in town. She has decided to have a major relocation in life after her beloved Grandmother's death and has started her own furniture restoration business in the Queensland Tableland town of Burralea. When Alice finds an envelope hidden in the back of a mirror, she returns it to Jackie with no idea of it's ramifications... Inside that envelope is Stella's story who is Hugh's mother.
I really enjoyed this book from Barbara Hannay. I have only read one other and know she has written many, many more.
As previously mentioned the book is mainly set in the present with flashbacks to the 2nd World War in Singapore where Stella was based as a nurse and then to her marriage to Magnus Drummond. This was very easy to follow as it switched tenses and I enjoyed getting to know all the Drummond Family and the gentle romance that was developing between Seth and Alice.
This is a lovely story that reminds us that family is important and change can be good for us.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
June 9, 2017
My first novel of Barbara's and it was a great family saga. I listened to this on audiobook - the narrator was fantastic, really good at differentiating between the characters with the changes in her voice. It tells the story of Stella who was a nurse in the war and met Tom an english soldier - she immediately falls in love with him. When he is injured and returns home to England his parents tell her that she is to no longer get in touch with him as it would bring back terrible memories of his war injuries and experiences. She then marries Magnus and moves to Queensland. When getting a mirror refurbished Jackie discovers a long lost diary of Stella's which starts "I have done a terrible thing" - this starts a family revelation which affects all of them. There is her husband Hugh who is due to retire, his sister, their son Seth who has fallen for Alice the furniture restorer, and their daughter - a violinist who has a secret of her own. I loved this book, and plan to read more of Barbara's rural stories in the future.
September 3, 2016
I confess to not particularly liking rural romance (or chook lit, which never ceases to make me chuckle) but happily The Grazier’s Wife turned out to be more of a family saga, with even a sprinkling of historical romance to satisfy me.
I picked The Grazier's Wife because Barbara Hannay wrote it. I haven’t read any of her recent books (I’m pretty sure I must have read one or two of her older Mills & Boons’ titles somewhere along the line) but I thought I should make more of an effort, seeing as she lives not too far from where I live. The Grazier’s Wife is also set in this area. So instead of the urge to go on a holiday or add a place to my travel destination bucket list as I read, I felt a reassuring familiarity.
The plot also had a bit of a familiar ring to it, I'll admit, although I doubt it was deliberate.
It involves three generation of the Drummond family.
Hugh is the current owner of Ruthven Downs cattle station. His wife, Jackie, is organising a huge birthday party for him. When arranging for a mirror to be restored as a gift for his birthday, she discovers hidden letters and pages of a diary belonging to Hugh’s mother, Stella. Stella’s story then gets told in flashback form. Stella’s would be my favourite of all the main storylines. We get to read about her time as a nurse, stationed in Singapore during World War 2, and her life afterwards on the property with Hugh’s father.
The girl who restores the mirror for Jackie, Alice, has another major role in the book. Alice has just moved to the Tablelands (to Burralea, the only fictional place in the book, which doesn’t seem to make sense, why not just say she’s moved to Yungaburra?) and meets Seth, Jackie and Hugh’s son. They have instant attraction, but Alice’s past prevents their relationship moving forward.
Hugh and Jackie’s daughter, Flora, is mentioned briefly throughout the book. Her situation mirrors her grandmother’s in some ways, and I’d like to see how it could be resolved in the 21st century. I will have to wait though, it seems, as this storyline is not wrapped up neatly at the end of the book, prompting me to assume there will be a sequel.
Stella’s other child and Hugh’s sister, Deb, also plays a minor role in the book and could quite possibly be explored in a future edition.
As I said, Stella’s storyline was the one I was most drawn into. I believed her conflict much more than any of others. In fact, I couldn’t see why Jackie was particularly worried about the revelations of the letters and diary she found. Would anyone be worried about such a thing in 2016?
Alice’s conflict that keeps her from being with Seth also seemed a little weak. Again, I think it would have worked in an earlier time period, but it’s 2016 and there’s a counsellor on every corner.
The beginning of the book had a few time jumps that confused me, so next time I’d recommend another flashback or something similar than how Hannay presented it.
I also grew a little tired of Hannay’s constant mentions of food. (You can take the Mills & Boons out of the girl...) They weren’t as lyrical or descriptive as I would expect. At times it felt like I was simply reading a grocery shopping list.
I also took half a star off for all the romance in the book being ‘young’. All Stella’s romance was when she was young, with only the tiny mention of when she grew older. We got Seth and Alice’s intimate details but nothing of their parents or aunt. Cue my sarcastic font: Publishers know best though, and that’s what people want. No one wants old people sex or falling in love...
I have to add at least half a star for the ending though. I was not expecting that at all. It was incredibly cute.
All in all I'd recommend this book, especially for people searching for Australian characters and location. I live in a beautiful place, this I won't argue with.
3 1/2 out of 5.
I picked The Grazier's Wife because Barbara Hannay wrote it. I haven’t read any of her recent books (I’m pretty sure I must have read one or two of her older Mills & Boons’ titles somewhere along the line) but I thought I should make more of an effort, seeing as she lives not too far from where I live. The Grazier’s Wife is also set in this area. So instead of the urge to go on a holiday or add a place to my travel destination bucket list as I read, I felt a reassuring familiarity.
The plot also had a bit of a familiar ring to it, I'll admit, although I doubt it was deliberate.
It involves three generation of the Drummond family.
Hugh is the current owner of Ruthven Downs cattle station. His wife, Jackie, is organising a huge birthday party for him. When arranging for a mirror to be restored as a gift for his birthday, she discovers hidden letters and pages of a diary belonging to Hugh’s mother, Stella. Stella’s story then gets told in flashback form. Stella’s would be my favourite of all the main storylines. We get to read about her time as a nurse, stationed in Singapore during World War 2, and her life afterwards on the property with Hugh’s father.
The girl who restores the mirror for Jackie, Alice, has another major role in the book. Alice has just moved to the Tablelands (to Burralea, the only fictional place in the book, which doesn’t seem to make sense, why not just say she’s moved to Yungaburra?) and meets Seth, Jackie and Hugh’s son. They have instant attraction, but Alice’s past prevents their relationship moving forward.
Hugh and Jackie’s daughter, Flora, is mentioned briefly throughout the book. Her situation mirrors her grandmother’s in some ways, and I’d like to see how it could be resolved in the 21st century. I will have to wait though, it seems, as this storyline is not wrapped up neatly at the end of the book, prompting me to assume there will be a sequel.
Stella’s other child and Hugh’s sister, Deb, also plays a minor role in the book and could quite possibly be explored in a future edition.
As I said, Stella’s storyline was the one I was most drawn into. I believed her conflict much more than any of others. In fact, I couldn’t see why Jackie was particularly worried about the revelations of the letters and diary she found. Would anyone be worried about such a thing in 2016?
Alice’s conflict that keeps her from being with Seth also seemed a little weak. Again, I think it would have worked in an earlier time period, but it’s 2016 and there’s a counsellor on every corner.
The beginning of the book had a few time jumps that confused me, so next time I’d recommend another flashback or something similar than how Hannay presented it.
I also grew a little tired of Hannay’s constant mentions of food. (You can take the Mills & Boons out of the girl...) They weren’t as lyrical or descriptive as I would expect. At times it felt like I was simply reading a grocery shopping list.
I also took half a star off for all the romance in the book being ‘young’. All Stella’s romance was when she was young, with only the tiny mention of when she grew older. We got Seth and Alice’s intimate details but nothing of their parents or aunt. Cue my sarcastic font: Publishers know best though, and that’s what people want. No one wants old people sex or falling in love...
I have to add at least half a star for the ending though. I was not expecting that at all. It was incredibly cute.
All in all I'd recommend this book, especially for people searching for Australian characters and location. I live in a beautiful place, this I won't argue with.
3 1/2 out of 5.
August 8, 2016
The Grazier's Wife is a beautiful new novel written by outstanding author, Barbara Hannay.
Set mainly in cattle country around the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland.
You will also find yourself enraptured in the delights of old Singapore when Raffles was at its prime and elegance.
The story tells of three generations of Australian women becoming a grazier's wife; from Stella in 1946, a post-war baby to Jackie in the 1970's, a cinderella fairytale with an outback prince to sweet Alice in 2015 who holds the promise of a bright, new future.
It's the story of real life as an Australian grazier's wife and also outlines the life and tribulations of the grazier himself who has to be a strong, resilient man working in the stockyards and is often found rounding up horses in a dusty paddock wearing an authentic Akubra hat.
Relaxing at home the grazier will be found in the cool shade of an open verandah of his homestead, perhaps with a beer in his hand and thoughts of a good Atherton Tablelands steak to look forward to for dinner later in the evening after sunset.
Or, you may even find him under the cool shade of an old Queensland poinciana tree to shelter himself from the sun during the day.
In The Grazier's Wife you will travel through three generations and their families which all hold deep, dark secrets.
Sometimes secrets can be found in the strangest places where you least expect them.
Never ever give up hope is the message here in The Grazier's Wife by Barbara Hannay.
Follow Your Dreams to happiness and with hard work and perseverance your luck will find you.
If you love the Queensland Australian Outback, a touch of exotic Singapore in a time gone by, you are going to love this new novel, The Grazier's Wife by Barbara Hannay.
This novel celebrates Barbara Hannay's 50th novel as an author and is a reason to celebrate!
Thank you, Barbara Hannay for another outstanding novel.
Set mainly in cattle country around the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland.
You will also find yourself enraptured in the delights of old Singapore when Raffles was at its prime and elegance.
The story tells of three generations of Australian women becoming a grazier's wife; from Stella in 1946, a post-war baby to Jackie in the 1970's, a cinderella fairytale with an outback prince to sweet Alice in 2015 who holds the promise of a bright, new future.
It's the story of real life as an Australian grazier's wife and also outlines the life and tribulations of the grazier himself who has to be a strong, resilient man working in the stockyards and is often found rounding up horses in a dusty paddock wearing an authentic Akubra hat.
Relaxing at home the grazier will be found in the cool shade of an open verandah of his homestead, perhaps with a beer in his hand and thoughts of a good Atherton Tablelands steak to look forward to for dinner later in the evening after sunset.
Or, you may even find him under the cool shade of an old Queensland poinciana tree to shelter himself from the sun during the day.
In The Grazier's Wife you will travel through three generations and their families which all hold deep, dark secrets.
Sometimes secrets can be found in the strangest places where you least expect them.
Never ever give up hope is the message here in The Grazier's Wife by Barbara Hannay.
Follow Your Dreams to happiness and with hard work and perseverance your luck will find you.
If you love the Queensland Australian Outback, a touch of exotic Singapore in a time gone by, you are going to love this new novel, The Grazier's Wife by Barbara Hannay.
This novel celebrates Barbara Hannay's 50th novel as an author and is a reason to celebrate!
Thank you, Barbara Hannay for another outstanding novel.
August 17, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, but do have one criticism. The theme of the lost papers goes through the entire story, in fact many things happen because of this. Yet the problem created by the papers is dealt with in a very short time. I don't know how it could have been solved but after being so important throughout the story, I feel the solution was glossed over.
September 26, 2016
A really enjoyable and easy read. Loved the historical part set in Singapore.
October 31, 2016
I received a copy of The Grazier's Wife from NetGalley in return for an honest review back in July, I started reading but my download was corrupted and there was a section missing so I put it aside until I could get the file fixed. One book after another jumped onto the pile and I never quite made it back. Well, this week I decided that enough was enough and I couldn't leave it any longer so picked it back up and started where I left off.
The Grazier's Wife is a story of three generations told in two different time periods, meaning we have our feet firmly planted in the present with Seth Drummond and his family on their property, Ruthven Downs, and Alice who has moved to a small town nearby and opened a furniture restoration business.
Alice discovers an envelope hidden in the back of a mirror Jackie Drummond brings in to be re-silvered and this is how we are transported to Singapore in 1941 where Stella is nursing during the war.
The characters are diverse and well rounded, all with their fair share of baggage. I think Alice has the most heartbreaking tale and I couldn't help but feel for her, even though at times you could see that there were steps she could have taken to help herself if only she made the choice to.
The life of a grazier's wife is very different across the generations and Hannay has explored very different women for the role in different generations.
Stella grew up on property and when she went away to nurse in the war she told her mother she would come home, marry a grazier and raise a team of strapping young men. Things didn't quite work out the way she had planned and through a memoir found long after her death we find out all about her experiences through the war and the long term effects when she came home.
Jackie came from a totally different world to the prosperous cattle station she married into. Growing up it was just her and her mother, who worked hard to keep them afloat and Jackie left school early to get a job. Marrying Hugh and moving to Ruthven Downs was a complete culture shock but she settled into life on the land and never shied away from long days and hard work. She never quite felt right at home surrounded by Hugh's prosperous friends though they were never anything but friendly.
The third generation sees us focus on both of Jackie's children to some extent, Seth is at home on the Ruthven Downs and set to inherit it all. He has some big plans but can't start putting them into play until his dad retires, and he is raising his infant son with only the help of his parents. Flora, his sister, is away in Melbourne working as a professional violinist.
The woman in the third generation is Alice, she's not a Drummond but the sparks between her and Seth are palpable from their first meeting. There are some pretty large obstacles in their way, that come in cute little packages. Alice has quite a tragic past that she has never quite moved on from so she has sworn off serious relationships for life and ended up in Burralea to avoid the stage of life all her friends are in with marriages and children on the near horizon.
There is lots of conflict and a fair element of suspense as you try to work out what actually happened and how it will all come together in the end. Alongside that is the sexual tensions between Seth and Alice and whether they will be able to overcome the obstacles in their path.
Some secrets are definitely best left buried but there are also times when the scariest of secrets, with the most life-changing consequences can actually make things work out better than anyone could have imagined. I would actually be interested to read a sequel that tells what happens to the Drummond family next.
I found it quite slow getting into The Grazier's Wife, it didn't grab me straight away and drag me in but the more I think about it I think that could be because I started it and then had such a big break before I got back to it. Overall it was an engaging story with intriguing characters who were well developed and quite complex. The story tackles quite a few big issues with sensitivity and maturity. Definitely worth the read and will have me keeping my eye out for more by Barabara Hannay.
The Grazier's Wife is a story of three generations told in two different time periods, meaning we have our feet firmly planted in the present with Seth Drummond and his family on their property, Ruthven Downs, and Alice who has moved to a small town nearby and opened a furniture restoration business.
Alice discovers an envelope hidden in the back of a mirror Jackie Drummond brings in to be re-silvered and this is how we are transported to Singapore in 1941 where Stella is nursing during the war.
The characters are diverse and well rounded, all with their fair share of baggage. I think Alice has the most heartbreaking tale and I couldn't help but feel for her, even though at times you could see that there were steps she could have taken to help herself if only she made the choice to.
The life of a grazier's wife is very different across the generations and Hannay has explored very different women for the role in different generations.
Stella grew up on property and when she went away to nurse in the war she told her mother she would come home, marry a grazier and raise a team of strapping young men. Things didn't quite work out the way she had planned and through a memoir found long after her death we find out all about her experiences through the war and the long term effects when she came home.
Jackie came from a totally different world to the prosperous cattle station she married into. Growing up it was just her and her mother, who worked hard to keep them afloat and Jackie left school early to get a job. Marrying Hugh and moving to Ruthven Downs was a complete culture shock but she settled into life on the land and never shied away from long days and hard work. She never quite felt right at home surrounded by Hugh's prosperous friends though they were never anything but friendly.
The third generation sees us focus on both of Jackie's children to some extent, Seth is at home on the Ruthven Downs and set to inherit it all. He has some big plans but can't start putting them into play until his dad retires, and he is raising his infant son with only the help of his parents. Flora, his sister, is away in Melbourne working as a professional violinist.
The woman in the third generation is Alice, she's not a Drummond but the sparks between her and Seth are palpable from their first meeting. There are some pretty large obstacles in their way, that come in cute little packages. Alice has quite a tragic past that she has never quite moved on from so she has sworn off serious relationships for life and ended up in Burralea to avoid the stage of life all her friends are in with marriages and children on the near horizon.
There is lots of conflict and a fair element of suspense as you try to work out what actually happened and how it will all come together in the end. Alongside that is the sexual tensions between Seth and Alice and whether they will be able to overcome the obstacles in their path.
Some secrets are definitely best left buried but there are also times when the scariest of secrets, with the most life-changing consequences can actually make things work out better than anyone could have imagined. I would actually be interested to read a sequel that tells what happens to the Drummond family next.
I found it quite slow getting into The Grazier's Wife, it didn't grab me straight away and drag me in but the more I think about it I think that could be because I started it and then had such a big break before I got back to it. Overall it was an engaging story with intriguing characters who were well developed and quite complex. The story tackles quite a few big issues with sensitivity and maturity. Definitely worth the read and will have me keeping my eye out for more by Barabara Hannay.
September 22, 2020
What a thoroughly enjoyable book.
War has a lot to answer for, many occurrences and outcomes are terrible, far-reaching and sadly unable to be forgotten. However, the good moments, although less obvious, can last a lifetime, and impact a family on many levels through its generations.
The threads of these, and secrets born of them, are woven through this novel as interesting, colourful and beautiful stitches in a tapestry of family lives.
Romance, love, laughter, strong characters, intricate details and a lovely country warmth found me on the last page before I knew it!! 🤗
Sometimes five stars just aren't enough!
⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐
War has a lot to answer for, many occurrences and outcomes are terrible, far-reaching and sadly unable to be forgotten. However, the good moments, although less obvious, can last a lifetime, and impact a family on many levels through its generations.
The threads of these, and secrets born of them, are woven through this novel as interesting, colourful and beautiful stitches in a tapestry of family lives.
Romance, love, laughter, strong characters, intricate details and a lovely country warmth found me on the last page before I knew it!! 🤗
Sometimes five stars just aren't enough!
⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐
December 27, 2019
I know I said I wasn't going to do a review but I changed my mind
I love the ending, it was so romantic and mixed with so many emotions
This book is based in the country and about the war and is based in Australia
I rate this book 5/5 stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Defiantly a recommend for anyone who is really in to romantic and mixed books like this one, I'm defiantly buying more books from this Author
I love the ending, it was so romantic and mixed with so many emotions
This book is based in the country and about the war and is based in Australia
I rate this book 5/5 stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Defiantly a recommend for anyone who is really in to romantic and mixed books like this one, I'm defiantly buying more books from this Author
May 18, 2017
I really enjoyed the historical part of this story based around the fall of Singapore. Stella and Toms story is lovely. The rest of it is a bit "eh". Alice has a hung up which even by the end I didn't really understand and thought it was a tad pathetic and no real reason to not want children or a relationship.
An easy read though and not awful by a long shot.
An easy read though and not awful by a long shot.
September 8, 2018
Another one that's been sitting in the cupboard gathering dust that I've finally managed to dig out as I await the latest new releases from select authors.
Generational secrets hidden deep within a family heirloom on a country property are discovered a most inopportune time for a family.
Shifting from scenes of war to dry hot summer outback days the novel appeals.
Generational secrets hidden deep within a family heirloom on a country property are discovered a most inopportune time for a family.
Shifting from scenes of war to dry hot summer outback days the novel appeals.
March 2, 2020
Really enjoyed this book, the stories of characters lives were so intriguing and emotional - it story seemed dramatic but yet very believable at the same time and it gave me feelings of real compassion for each characters circumstances as it effectively felt with many of life’s challenges and complexities. Really loved it.
January 6, 2018
6/1/18 This is bad writing and I'm only 3 pages in.
Worst book ever. All it is is conversation between a grazier's wife and a few people. It doesn't get better as you get further along, it actually gets worse.
Worst book ever. All it is is conversation between a grazier's wife and a few people. It doesn't get better as you get further along, it actually gets worse.
August 31, 2017
Enjoyed this book . Good story easy to read & relatable. Highly recommend
September 8, 2018
Jackie Drummond decides to fix
September 11, 2018
Very nice easy read. First time I have read this authors' book. Will definitely read more.
December 7, 2019
2.5. * I enjoyed the book mostly for the historical sections and locations. some of the characters let it down for me. It was a light easy read.
September 26, 2020
Typical beautiful girl meets handsome man. There's a snag but it is overcome so we live happily ever after.
June 14, 2021
It has been years since I read a romance novel so this was a lovely change of pace
October 24, 2022
An enjoyable, predictable read.
January 7, 2023
Very engaging story across 3 generations
July 8, 2017
If you enjoy stories of the Australian outback, plus some historical references and a nice bit of romance, then this is the book for you. I enjoyed the read. The story flowed well and there was an interesting array of characters. I particularly liked the link back to war time in Singapore.
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