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The Moon Below
The daughter of a Newcastle coalminer, Hallie Thomas moves to Australia where she struggles to make a life for herself amid the beautiful purple mountains and eucalyptus trees of New South Wales. Reprint. PW. NYT.
488 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
19 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Bickmore
29 books36 followersBARBARA BICKMORE wrote her first short story at seven and has been writing ever since. Her dream to become a published writer came true when EAST OF THE SUN was published in 1988. As her heroines grow they become women who make a difference and don't settle for living life the way society dictates. Readers will experience sorrow, pain, happiness, romance, love and will enjoy growing with the heroines as they rise to life's challenges.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 14, 2013
The moon below is an unputdownable romantic historical story of Hallie, a young girl who leaves the coal mine town of Newcastle, England in 1810 to join her childhood friend Chad, in marriage, where they plan to build a new life in the wilds of Australia. Just as she is settled into her comfortable life with her husban he decides to take a one year trip back to England for financial reasons. Hallie is devastated, however, when the one year turns into five she grows into an independent woman and discovers strengths that she never knew she had while she becomes the head of their thriving sheep farm.
Barbara Bickmore is a talented author who can weave romance throughout a well researched historical novel so that you come away realizing you have experienced a satisfying read. Her novels almost alway deal with stories about the fortitude of strong women and Hallie's charter is based on two women who actually played a great role in the civilization and reconstruction of the prisons for women in early South Wales.
Her novels are sometimes hard to find as many of them are out of print but they can be obtained through the libraries and used book clubs such as Paper Back Swap and third party bookstores through Amazon. Read one of her books and I am sure you will want to search for more.
Barbara Bickmore is a talented author who can weave romance throughout a well researched historical novel so that you come away realizing you have experienced a satisfying read. Her novels almost alway deal with stories about the fortitude of strong women and Hallie's charter is based on two women who actually played a great role in the civilization and reconstruction of the prisons for women in early South Wales.
Her novels are sometimes hard to find as many of them are out of print but they can be obtained through the libraries and used book clubs such as Paper Back Swap and third party bookstores through Amazon. Read one of her books and I am sure you will want to search for more.
August 10, 2016
4.5 Stars
A good historical fiction, with a major focus on the romantic storyline. I have such mixed feelings about this book because at times it was straight historical fiction, and at other times it veered closer to a historical romance.
I picked this up because I wanted to learn more about the early colonization of Australia; I only knew that the nation began as a place where England sent its prisoners and the native Australians (Aborigines) were violently displaced. This book did not disappoint in portraying the vivid reality of prisoners’ lives--horrible sea voyages and terrible treatment, along with opportunities for those few who could seize them. The story of the female prisoners, and also the free women who came to the continent, was by far the highlight for me. Major trigger warning for rape though, not surprising since this far away “uncivilized land" was inhabited by thousands of men and very few women and girls.
Barbara Bickmore based this story on a real-life heroine for women, Carolyn Chrisholm, featured on the Australian five-dollar bill. Learning about her, and some of the other instrumental politicians at that time gave me great insight into the early days of Australia.
The love story—intense, frustrating, sad, happy, but above all else, it was thought-provoking. I loved the heroine, and cared deeply about her and her surrounding cast of characters. The book also had a great pace throughout the entire story, never a slow moment for me.
A good historical fiction, with a major focus on the romantic storyline. I have such mixed feelings about this book because at times it was straight historical fiction, and at other times it veered closer to a historical romance.
I picked this up because I wanted to learn more about the early colonization of Australia; I only knew that the nation began as a place where England sent its prisoners and the native Australians (Aborigines) were violently displaced. This book did not disappoint in portraying the vivid reality of prisoners’ lives--horrible sea voyages and terrible treatment, along with opportunities for those few who could seize them. The story of the female prisoners, and also the free women who came to the continent, was by far the highlight for me. Major trigger warning for rape though, not surprising since this far away “uncivilized land" was inhabited by thousands of men and very few women and girls.
Barbara Bickmore based this story on a real-life heroine for women, Carolyn Chrisholm, featured on the Australian five-dollar bill. Learning about her, and some of the other instrumental politicians at that time gave me great insight into the early days of Australia.
The love story—intense, frustrating, sad, happy, but above all else, it was thought-provoking. I loved the heroine, and cared deeply about her and her surrounding cast of characters. The book also had a great pace throughout the entire story, never a slow moment for me.
July 10, 2015
Rating: 3.5
Need to be reviewed.
Need to be reviewed.
January 5, 2013
I have read this book 2 or 3 times, I love it and have 2 copies of it in case I wear one out.
July 13, 2023
I first read this book over 20 years ago. I pick it up periodically to read it again. I never get tired of this story of one woman’s strength and determination to take in the challenges of a new life in a new country that is also being developed. Australia was first a penal colony used by England to empty their prisons which were busting at the seams. It would take people with vision to build Australia into the country it is. I love the lead character Hallie. In an age where women were not on equal status as men she was able to rise to the occasion. She left her hometown in England and travelled to Australia by ship to marry a man she barely new. I don’t want to spoil the story. It’s more than a love story. This book has so much meat to it. You can’t put it down. If you can get a copy I highly recommend it
February 25, 2015
A wonderful story about Australian history (loosely), and how women do amazing things but get forgotten in the patriarchy that is historic society.
February 15, 2018
Rating: 4 / 5
All in all, this was a way better read than I expected it to be. Certainly more interesting and with more detail than I expected and, thank goodness, not too much over-the-top romance that I expected to have to deal with. The story was interesting from start to finish, and while I'm certainly glad that there were other elements besides the romance to enjoy, that main element in itself had a nice bit of balance.
However, nevertheless, at some points of the novel, I felt that things were just a little but too perfect, like everything was working out for Hallie and I had no idea whether or not to support her emotionally. She's a work-a-day woman, that's for sure, one with ambition and independence, and all of the other traits that society (Western society, anyway) has learned to prize in a modern woman.
But, still, emotionally, I really felt that she was lacking and uncertain, reminding me of Scarlett O'Hara in her years of spending time thinking about and "loving" one man, but in reality being in love with another and only realizing it later on. I mean, the ending is happy to this novel, don't get me wrong, and I love that it is, but, at the same time, I just hate all of the infidelity that takes place in it as well, specifically because the author has written about it in such a way that it's hard to condemn it.
There are certain principles on which I am strict, and if there are any readers who are the same as me in this aspect, sure, you might like the story, as I did, but you'll also have a hard time accepting or being comfortable with it. That's just the way ti was for me.
All in all, it's a higher rating than I thought I'd give this book, but was certainly a worthwhile read that I don't regret going through.
All in all, this was a way better read than I expected it to be. Certainly more interesting and with more detail than I expected and, thank goodness, not too much over-the-top romance that I expected to have to deal with. The story was interesting from start to finish, and while I'm certainly glad that there were other elements besides the romance to enjoy, that main element in itself had a nice bit of balance.
However, nevertheless, at some points of the novel, I felt that things were just a little but too perfect, like everything was working out for Hallie and I had no idea whether or not to support her emotionally. She's a work-a-day woman, that's for sure, one with ambition and independence, and all of the other traits that society (Western society, anyway) has learned to prize in a modern woman.
But, still, emotionally, I really felt that she was lacking and uncertain, reminding me of Scarlett O'Hara in her years of spending time thinking about and "loving" one man, but in reality being in love with another and only realizing it later on. I mean, the ending is happy to this novel, don't get me wrong, and I love that it is, but, at the same time, I just hate all of the infidelity that takes place in it as well, specifically because the author has written about it in such a way that it's hard to condemn it.
There are certain principles on which I am strict, and if there are any readers who are the same as me in this aspect, sure, you might like the story, as I did, but you'll also have a hard time accepting or being comfortable with it. That's just the way ti was for me.
All in all, it's a higher rating than I thought I'd give this book, but was certainly a worthwhile read that I don't regret going through.
June 8, 2025
4.25*
Eigen boekenkast.
Dit boek herinnert me eraan waarom ik zo van historische fictie hou. Via de levens en keuzes van de personages krijg je een meeslepend beeld van een andere tijdsperiode. Wat dit verhaal bijzonder maakt, is de kracht van de jonge vrouwelijke hoofdfiguur: ze zet alles op alles om haar idealen na te jagen en haar eigen leven vorm te geven. Vooral haar innerlijke strijd tussen twee liefdes en het besef dat liefde kan groeien en evolueren, raakten me diep. Het verhaal toont hoe er soms onverwachte wegen op je pad komen — en hoe waardevol het is om die te durven bewandelen.
Eigen boekenkast.
Dit boek herinnert me eraan waarom ik zo van historische fictie hou. Via de levens en keuzes van de personages krijg je een meeslepend beeld van een andere tijdsperiode. Wat dit verhaal bijzonder maakt, is de kracht van de jonge vrouwelijke hoofdfiguur: ze zet alles op alles om haar idealen na te jagen en haar eigen leven vorm te geven. Vooral haar innerlijke strijd tussen twee liefdes en het besef dat liefde kan groeien en evolueren, raakten me diep. Het verhaal toont hoe er soms onverwachte wegen op je pad komen — en hoe waardevol het is om die te durven bewandelen.
June 29, 2025
Another gem that I found at the semi-annual "Friends of the Library" book sale. "The Moon Below" by Barbara Bickmore is a well written historical fiction that takes place in the early years of the 19th century. The setting starts off in Newcastle, England, a poor coal mining town. It quickly moves to Australia. I loved the characters, as they were interesting and believable. Most of the female characters were strong women that added a twist to this 19th century novel. The only negative comment that I can make, is that some of the plot included graphic scenes that were not necessary to the overall storyline. I do look forward to locating additional novels by this talented author.
July 12, 2018
A historical fiction love story in Australia. The author does love strong women. I liked the book where a strong female character comes into her own when her husband leaves to go back to England. The love story is one of young (stupid) love and you know where it's heading because we've all been there. I love the love of country and how she wants to make it better for others. I learned a lot about the penal colony and the people who made it strong. I appreciated the fact that the successful people realized it was a land of opportunity compared to England. I'd like to go there one day.
August 18, 2021
Dieses Buch habe ich vor 24 Jahren (ui ...) gelesen, unzählige Male ausgeliehen und wollte es unbedingt irgendwann noch einmal lesen.
Es war wieder wunderbar nach Australien zu reisen und Hallies Entwicklung zu verfolgen.
Leider konnte mich aber die Geschichte diesmal nicht 100 % begeistern. Da mich Hallie zum Schluss hin doch etwas genervt hat mit diesem ganzen Hin und Her und verletztem Stolz. Aber es war wieder wunderbar nach Australien zu reisen und Hallies Entwicklung zu verfolgen.
Es war wieder wunderbar nach Australien zu reisen und Hallies Entwicklung zu verfolgen.
Leider konnte mich aber die Geschichte diesmal nicht 100 % begeistern. Da mich Hallie zum Schluss hin doch etwas genervt hat mit diesem ganzen Hin und Her und verletztem Stolz. Aber es war wieder wunderbar nach Australien zu reisen und Hallies Entwicklung zu verfolgen.
July 29, 2021
A good book is a great friend
I enjoy unique stories. Janette Oke and Barbara Bickmore always amaze me. A new author... Pam Bondy has caught my attention with her first book...Mother Knows. It kept my interest till the end. I am awaiting more.
I enjoy unique stories. Janette Oke and Barbara Bickmore always amaze me. A new author... Pam Bondy has caught my attention with her first book...Mother Knows. It kept my interest till the end. I am awaiting more.
November 26, 2024
I read this book years ago, and loved it. I decided I should read it again since I added it to our book club list. I still love it. A sweeping story of a strong woman in Australia when it was still being settled.
June 26, 2017
Príjemné čítanie
August 31, 2020
Läste som tonåring, läste om den som vuxen, älskade allt med den. Historian, kvinnliga starka huvudkaraktären, relationer, naturen, bondliv mmm!
March 12, 2022
This book is amazing lots of twists and turns
July 1, 2022
Das war nichts für mich....
February 11, 2023
I very much enjoyed this novel but the sex was too descriptive it made me feel uncomfortable! The people were likeable and the information about the early days of Australia was interesting!
December 31, 2023
Så fin en historie
July 31, 2024
Family saga, situated in Australia.
November 29, 2024
Favorite book of all time. Hallie is my lifetime heroine.
October 24, 2025
This book changed my life as a child.
July 24, 2015
I enjoyed this story. This is a historical fiction about the beginnings of Australia. Since I know very little of Australia's history I found the book intriguing. Having stated that it's a historical FICTION not all facts are correct. Thankfully, the author details all historical discrepancies at the end of the book.
Ms. Bickmore does a wonderful job inventing her characters. I truly felt as though I knew Hallie, the main character. There were actually numerous times that I found myself angry at her for making such 'stupid' decisions. But, I also cheered her one through each of her accomplishments.
Australia is one of those mysterious places I always envisioned visiting one day. Now I feel as though I must!
Ms. Bickmore does a wonderful job inventing her characters. I truly felt as though I knew Hallie, the main character. There were actually numerous times that I found myself angry at her for making such 'stupid' decisions. But, I also cheered her one through each of her accomplishments.
Australia is one of those mysterious places I always envisioned visiting one day. Now I feel as though I must!
December 17, 2015
4.5*
Wow! I can't believe how much I enjoyed this book! I am so glad I found this book and can understand why many people have said that they have read this book more than once. I really enjoyed reading the story of Hallie and I thought the history of Australia was very interesting. The only down side was the length of the book (1569 pages!), although it did read very fast. I think this book could have easily been at least a few hundred pages less, but even so, I sailed through it. I will definitely be looking for more books by Bickmore.
Wow! I can't believe how much I enjoyed this book! I am so glad I found this book and can understand why many people have said that they have read this book more than once. I really enjoyed reading the story of Hallie and I thought the history of Australia was very interesting. The only down side was the length of the book (1569 pages!), although it did read very fast. I think this book could have easily been at least a few hundred pages less, but even so, I sailed through it. I will definitely be looking for more books by Bickmore.
April 3, 2011
Wow...an amazing story of the history of Australia--what a terrific writer! I can visualize the story as she paints a picture with her words. At first I wasn't sure I'd enjoy the "love triangle" part of the book but honestly it was amazing and emotional. There are some very sad accounts in this story but I will say that they are all necessary to the story and to the history of Australia. I would read this book again!
September 4, 2014
Almost Wonderful
This book was a book club selection. The poor proofreading was a distraction initially, something to ignore as the book progressed. The story line kept one's interest, and the characterizations were authentically developed. The sexual depictions were graphic and are not for the fainthearted. The story fulfilled the author's intention, as stated at the end of the book.
This book was a book club selection. The poor proofreading was a distraction initially, something to ignore as the book progressed. The story line kept one's interest, and the characterizations were authentically developed. The sexual depictions were graphic and are not for the fainthearted. The story fulfilled the author's intention, as stated at the end of the book.
January 21, 2016
Can't decide how I feel about this book. I liked that the characters had both strengths and flaws. But author has a strange fascination with the physical and sexual abuse of convicts in this story of the early days of Australia as a British penal colony. I also found the heroine quite implausible in her accomplishments as a barely educated transplant from the coal mines of Newcastle (even though author says she is based on an actual woman).
August 20, 2010
good historical romance novel set in 1790-1830 when australia was being settled. the young heroine leaves a mining town in England to become the wife of a wealthy landowner with dreams of creating a dynasty. however, he goes back to england for five years and leaves her to realize his dreams. since i'm going to australia soon, i look forward to seeing this "new land".
October 4, 2015
This is a great story, well written and researched. The book follows a young woman on her journey to a new live in the early years of the colony of New South Wales. The characters are well developed and credible. I love the story it,s one of those books I can read over an over again. It's feels like escaping into a different time and place. Great book for a lazy summer holiday.
August 4, 2024
I refuse to spoil it, but what an amazing book. I couldn't put it down, my mother couldn't put it down. I leant it to a friend to read on a plane, and she yelled at me because she lost sleep on vacation because SHE couldn't put it down.
Read it. You won't be sorry.
Read it. You won't be sorry.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews