What do you think?
Rate this book
Maiden's Creek #3
The Homecoming
They might be able to solve a crime - but can they build a life together? A compelling historical romance with a murder mystery at its core, for readers of Darry Fraser and Tea Cooper.
1892. It has been almost twenty years since Charlie O'Reilly left Maiden's Creek, the town where she once knew only injustice and fear. Now she returns as acting matron of the local hospital, determined to prove her worth - and to escape the attentions of a man she would rather forget.
Despite his wealth and busy practice as a criminal lawyer, Danny Hunt has never found contentment. He is still haunted by memories of his childhood in Maiden's Creek and the strange and desperate man who was his father.
When a court case goes wrong and Danny's life is threatened, he seizes the opportunity to visit Maiden's Creek with his friend Robert, whose sister, a nurse at the hospital, is the only woman Danny has ever proposed to.
But danger follows Danny and Charlie and when a nurse is violently murdered, they are thrown together in a desperate bid to prove the innocence of a friend. When a devastating storm hits, threatening the hospital, old hurts and secrets come to the surface.
Both can see that they make the perfect team, but Charlie is committed to her work and has one secret she plans never to reveal ...
WINNER of the 2023 Australian Romance Readers Award for FAVOURITE HISTORICAL ROMANCE!
1892. It has been almost twenty years since Charlie O'Reilly left Maiden's Creek, the town where she once knew only injustice and fear. Now she returns as acting matron of the local hospital, determined to prove her worth - and to escape the attentions of a man she would rather forget.
Despite his wealth and busy practice as a criminal lawyer, Danny Hunt has never found contentment. He is still haunted by memories of his childhood in Maiden's Creek and the strange and desperate man who was his father.
When a court case goes wrong and Danny's life is threatened, he seizes the opportunity to visit Maiden's Creek with his friend Robert, whose sister, a nurse at the hospital, is the only woman Danny has ever proposed to.
But danger follows Danny and Charlie and when a nurse is violently murdered, they are thrown together in a desperate bid to prove the innocence of a friend. When a devastating storm hits, threatening the hospital, old hurts and secrets come to the surface.
Both can see that they make the perfect team, but Charlie is committed to her work and has one secret she plans never to reveal ...
WINNER of the 2023 Australian Romance Readers Award for FAVOURITE HISTORICAL ROMANCE!
- GenresHistorical Fiction
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 4, 2023
9 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Alison Stuart
25 books366 followersMystery, history, romance and more…
Alison Stuart writes historical romances and short stories set in England and Australia and across different periods of history. She is best known for THE POSTMISTRESS and THE GOLDMINER'S SISTER, stories set in the Victorian goldfields in the 1870s.
She also writes historical mysteries as A.M. Stuart and her popular Harriet Gordon mystery series is set in Singapore in 1910.
She lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband and a geriatric cat. In a past life Alison worked as a lawyer across a variety of disciplines including the military and emergency services. She has lived in Africa and Singapore and, when circumstances permit, travels extensively - all for research of course!
(This writer is NOT the Alison Stuart who also writes as Kate Tremayne and authored Fateful Shadows, Sin No More, Barefoot Angel, Innocence Betrayed or Loyalty Defiled.)
Alison Stuart writes historical romances and short stories set in England and Australia and across different periods of history. She is best known for THE POSTMISTRESS and THE GOLDMINER'S SISTER, stories set in the Victorian goldfields in the 1870s.
She also writes historical mysteries as A.M. Stuart and her popular Harriet Gordon mystery series is set in Singapore in 1910.
She lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband and a geriatric cat. In a past life Alison worked as a lawyer across a variety of disciplines including the military and emergency services. She has lived in Africa and Singapore and, when circumstances permit, travels extensively - all for research of course!
(This writer is NOT the Alison Stuart who also writes as Kate Tremayne and authored Fateful Shadows, Sin No More, Barefoot Angel, Innocence Betrayed or Loyalty Defiled.)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 3, 2023
It was 1892 and Charlie O'Reilly was returning to Maiden's Creek, the town she'd lived as a child, with fear and bullying her constant companions. Now, twenty years later, Charlie was a highly qualified, respected nurse and midwife, and would be Matron at the Maiden's Creek hospital while the current Matron was on leave. She was looking forward to the job with great pride.
Danny Hunt had also grown up in Maiden's Creek; now a lawyer held in high esteem in Melbourne. After a difficult case, and threats from a family who blamed Danny for the result, he decided to get out of Melbourne for awhile, accompanying his friend Robert Cameron, to Maiden's Creek, where his sister was a nurse at the local hospital. When Danny and Charlie met at the hospital after Robert was injured, events moved quickly and when a nurse was murdered, and a friend was jailed for her murder, both Danny and Charlie were determined to prove his innocence. But could they prove what they knew? Danger followed both Danny and Charlie and when a vicious storm hit, flooding Maiden's Creek and the surrounding areas, they couldn't see a way forward...
The Homecoming is the 3rd in the Maiden's Creek series by Aussie author Alison Stuart and it was - in a word - outstanding! Catching up with characters from the first two in the series, albeit twenty years after the last book, was wonderful. Charlie and Danny are great characters, and imagining living back in the 1890s is daunting. While Maiden's Creek is fictional, it's modelled on the small town of Walhalla in Victoria's goldfields, so anyone who has visited can look at parallels. The Author's Notes at the end are interesting as well. I have no hesitation in recommending The Homecoming highly, but suggest reading books #1 and #2 first.
With thanks to HQ Fiction AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Danny Hunt had also grown up in Maiden's Creek; now a lawyer held in high esteem in Melbourne. After a difficult case, and threats from a family who blamed Danny for the result, he decided to get out of Melbourne for awhile, accompanying his friend Robert Cameron, to Maiden's Creek, where his sister was a nurse at the local hospital. When Danny and Charlie met at the hospital after Robert was injured, events moved quickly and when a nurse was murdered, and a friend was jailed for her murder, both Danny and Charlie were determined to prove his innocence. But could they prove what they knew? Danger followed both Danny and Charlie and when a vicious storm hit, flooding Maiden's Creek and the surrounding areas, they couldn't see a way forward...
The Homecoming is the 3rd in the Maiden's Creek series by Aussie author Alison Stuart and it was - in a word - outstanding! Catching up with characters from the first two in the series, albeit twenty years after the last book, was wonderful. Charlie and Danny are great characters, and imagining living back in the 1890s is daunting. While Maiden's Creek is fictional, it's modelled on the small town of Walhalla in Victoria's goldfields, so anyone who has visited can look at parallels. The Author's Notes at the end are interesting as well. I have no hesitation in recommending The Homecoming highly, but suggest reading books #1 and #2 first.
With thanks to HQ Fiction AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2023
This is the third book set in the rural town of Maiden's Creek. The main characters, Charlotte and Daniel were children in the previous books, but both of them moved away and have now returned to their hometown.
Charlotte is now the Matron of the local hospital. Daniel is just visiting, looking up old friends, investigating a little about his past and checking that the gold mine, now closed, has been safely secured. When they meet they recognise an immediate attraction but Charlotte fights it due to a bad experience in her past.
The story is set during a major flood which washes away parts of the town and kills a number of residents. It was interesting to discover at the end that the author based this on an actual incident which occurred in Walhalla, the town on which Maiden Creek is based. In fact there is a lot of interesting historical detail throughout the story.
I always enjoy reading Alison Stuart's books and am already looking forward to the next one.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Charlotte is now the Matron of the local hospital. Daniel is just visiting, looking up old friends, investigating a little about his past and checking that the gold mine, now closed, has been safely secured. When they meet they recognise an immediate attraction but Charlotte fights it due to a bad experience in her past.
The story is set during a major flood which washes away parts of the town and kills a number of residents. It was interesting to discover at the end that the author based this on an actual incident which occurred in Walhalla, the town on which Maiden Creek is based. In fact there is a lot of interesting historical detail throughout the story.
I always enjoy reading Alison Stuart's books and am already looking forward to the next one.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 25, 2022
I have loved my first two visits to Maiden’s Creek and when I heard there would be a third trip I was over the moon and I loved this book, I loved Danny and Charlie when meeting them as children and Alison Stuart has taken both of them back to the place that holds so many memories for them twenty years later and written a page turner of a story that you will not want to put down.
Charlie O’Reilly’s childhood growing up in Maiden’s Creek was not one that you would wish on anyone but twenty years later Charlie is returning a very different person she is now a nurse and is taking up the opportunity to be matron at the local hospital, she has her reasons for getting away but she never thinks that this stay in Maiden’s Creek will open up the emotions and bring with it danger but can it also bring love and happiness?
Danny Hunt is a criminal lawyer in Melbourne known as Saint Jude for his need to save people but Danny has a restless soul that he feels he needs to find some truths from the past and put them to rest and when Danny is threatened after a court case and a mate asks him to take a trip with him Danny jumps at the chance to return to the place he spent many of his childhood years maybe he will work through his past never realising what this visits holds.
As children they never met while living in Maiden’s Creek but both knew of each other and had met briefly in Melbourne one time that neither forgot but when danger arrives in the small town with murder and attempted murder they are thrown together to get to the bottom of it all, add to that a dreadful storm that sees the town almost totally washed away their time together sees their feelings grow for each other.
This is a beautifully written story, it is filled with adventure, mystery and so much more, I fell into it from the start and savoured every word meeting up with Amos and Netty who were so important to them both, the emotions flowing through the pages, everything came to life, Danny and Charlie I think were meant to be together, I loved them both, Charlie’s strength and caring nature and Danny what a hero, the best but there are secrets that Charlie holds and they must let go of the past to move forward.
I loved this one so very much, I loved the ending and I do highly recommend it make sure you have nothing planned when you pick it up, MS Stuart thank you for such a brilliant story.
My thanks to Harlequin AU for my copy to read and review and Netgalley.
Charlie O’Reilly’s childhood growing up in Maiden’s Creek was not one that you would wish on anyone but twenty years later Charlie is returning a very different person she is now a nurse and is taking up the opportunity to be matron at the local hospital, she has her reasons for getting away but she never thinks that this stay in Maiden’s Creek will open up the emotions and bring with it danger but can it also bring love and happiness?
Danny Hunt is a criminal lawyer in Melbourne known as Saint Jude for his need to save people but Danny has a restless soul that he feels he needs to find some truths from the past and put them to rest and when Danny is threatened after a court case and a mate asks him to take a trip with him Danny jumps at the chance to return to the place he spent many of his childhood years maybe he will work through his past never realising what this visits holds.
As children they never met while living in Maiden’s Creek but both knew of each other and had met briefly in Melbourne one time that neither forgot but when danger arrives in the small town with murder and attempted murder they are thrown together to get to the bottom of it all, add to that a dreadful storm that sees the town almost totally washed away their time together sees their feelings grow for each other.
This is a beautifully written story, it is filled with adventure, mystery and so much more, I fell into it from the start and savoured every word meeting up with Amos and Netty who were so important to them both, the emotions flowing through the pages, everything came to life, Danny and Charlie I think were meant to be together, I loved them both, Charlie’s strength and caring nature and Danny what a hero, the best but there are secrets that Charlie holds and they must let go of the past to move forward.
I loved this one so very much, I loved the ending and I do highly recommend it make sure you have nothing planned when you pick it up, MS Stuart thank you for such a brilliant story.
My thanks to Harlequin AU for my copy to read and review and Netgalley.
March 8, 2023
*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Homecoming by Alison Stuart. (2023).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 4 January 2023**
1892. Charlie left Maiden's Creek almost 20 years ago, the town where she knew injustice and fear. Now she's back as acting matron of the hospital, determined to prove her worth and escape a man. Despite his wealth and busy career as a criminal lawyer, Danny has never found contentment as he is haunted by memories of his childhood in Maiden's Creek. When he is threatened after a court case, he returns to his hometown with a friend whose sister is a nurse and rejected Danny's proposal. When a nurse is violently murdered just as a devastating storm hits the town, Danny and Charlie are thrown together in a desperate bid to prove the innocence of a friend. They make the perfect team but Charlie has a secret she can't tell...
I really enjoyed this Australian historical fiction with a big mystery and a budding romance between the two leads. If you've read the author's previous novels, 'The Goldminer's Sister' and 'The Postmistress', quite a few of the characters will be familiar; if you haven't read them fear not as this can absolutely be read and enjoyed as a standalone. I love that this author does such an excellent job transporting readers back in time and it feels so authentic. The perspectives alternate between Danny and Charlie who are both intelligent and likeable. Their time appropriate flirtation is a nice complement to the mystery of deaths at the hospital Charlie works at - a bit of lightness between the darker themes.
Overall: happily and highly recommend for fans of Australian historical fiction that features both romance and mystery.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Homecoming by Alison Stuart. (2023).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 4 January 2023**
1892. Charlie left Maiden's Creek almost 20 years ago, the town where she knew injustice and fear. Now she's back as acting matron of the hospital, determined to prove her worth and escape a man. Despite his wealth and busy career as a criminal lawyer, Danny has never found contentment as he is haunted by memories of his childhood in Maiden's Creek. When he is threatened after a court case, he returns to his hometown with a friend whose sister is a nurse and rejected Danny's proposal. When a nurse is violently murdered just as a devastating storm hits the town, Danny and Charlie are thrown together in a desperate bid to prove the innocence of a friend. They make the perfect team but Charlie has a secret she can't tell...
I really enjoyed this Australian historical fiction with a big mystery and a budding romance between the two leads. If you've read the author's previous novels, 'The Goldminer's Sister' and 'The Postmistress', quite a few of the characters will be familiar; if you haven't read them fear not as this can absolutely be read and enjoyed as a standalone. I love that this author does such an excellent job transporting readers back in time and it feels so authentic. The perspectives alternate between Danny and Charlie who are both intelligent and likeable. Their time appropriate flirtation is a nice complement to the mystery of deaths at the hospital Charlie works at - a bit of lightness between the darker themes.
Overall: happily and highly recommend for fans of Australian historical fiction that features both romance and mystery.
January 31, 2023
This is the third book in the Maiden Creek series, it could be read as a standalone but I think it would be better to read the whole series in order. While I have already read book 2 I haven't read book 1 and it felt a little frustrating that I didn't know the full back story.
The book is set in what is a fictional town of Maiden Creek, based on the actual township of Walhalla, a small town if regional Eastern Victoria in the late 1800's. Charlie (Charlotte) O'Reilly is returning to Maiden Creek to take up a temporary posting of matron at the small hospital there. Charlie spent a childhood in Maiden Creek as the 'rogue' child of a woman that everyone referred to as 'Mad Annie'. Can Charlie shake her past and move on in her home town, or will the locals always consider her 'tainted'.
At the same time Danny Hunt is returning to Maiden Creek to see if he can put the demons of his biological, violent father behind him and find some peace. When he and Charlie cross paths the whole town of Maiden Creek may feel their impact.
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
The book is set in what is a fictional town of Maiden Creek, based on the actual township of Walhalla, a small town if regional Eastern Victoria in the late 1800's. Charlie (Charlotte) O'Reilly is returning to Maiden Creek to take up a temporary posting of matron at the small hospital there. Charlie spent a childhood in Maiden Creek as the 'rogue' child of a woman that everyone referred to as 'Mad Annie'. Can Charlie shake her past and move on in her home town, or will the locals always consider her 'tainted'.
At the same time Danny Hunt is returning to Maiden Creek to see if he can put the demons of his biological, violent father behind him and find some peace. When he and Charlie cross paths the whole town of Maiden Creek may feel their impact.
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
March 21, 2025
Twenty year earlier Charlie O’Reilly left the rural town of Maiden’s Creek, never dreaming she would ever return. Her memories of her childhood, the taunts, the bullying and abuse she suffered still troubles her. But now she has returned to take on the position of acting matron of the local hospital. She is determined to make a success of it and earn respect from the townsfolk. It also gives her the opportunity to escape from the attentions of a doctor who betrayed her.
Danny Hunt has also returned to Maiden’s Creek as he seeks to find answers and closure of his childhood memories of his father and the horrors that he experienced. What he hadn’t count on was catching up with Charlie O’Reilly or his attraction to her.
Set in 1883 this historical novel has a bit of everything, murder mystery, danger, romance, issues inherent in small communities, plus Australia’s unpredictable weather that produces a devastating flood, and its effects on a community, so there is certainly a lot going on. Add to that criminal lawyer Danny Hunt also has someone seeking murderous revenge for what he believes was a wrong decision.
This is book 3 in a series about Maiden’s Creek but it is certainly not necessary to have read the earlier books to delve wholeheartedly into this one. The characters are engaging, the setting brilliantly done, and the danger gets the adrenaline pumping. A great deal to capture and maintain interest throughout. One thing I thought towards the end was a little too easily resolved, but still a recommended book that many readers will get caught up in and enjoy immensely.
Danny Hunt has also returned to Maiden’s Creek as he seeks to find answers and closure of his childhood memories of his father and the horrors that he experienced. What he hadn’t count on was catching up with Charlie O’Reilly or his attraction to her.
Set in 1883 this historical novel has a bit of everything, murder mystery, danger, romance, issues inherent in small communities, plus Australia’s unpredictable weather that produces a devastating flood, and its effects on a community, so there is certainly a lot going on. Add to that criminal lawyer Danny Hunt also has someone seeking murderous revenge for what he believes was a wrong decision.
This is book 3 in a series about Maiden’s Creek but it is certainly not necessary to have read the earlier books to delve wholeheartedly into this one. The characters are engaging, the setting brilliantly done, and the danger gets the adrenaline pumping. A great deal to capture and maintain interest throughout. One thing I thought towards the end was a little too easily resolved, but still a recommended book that many readers will get caught up in and enjoy immensely.
April 3, 2023
It has been a while since I read an historical fiction book and ai felt the time was right for a change of pace. I loved the first 2 books in this series and it was wonderful to return to Maiden’s Creek with some familiar faces. It is almost 20 years since Charlie O’Reilly left the town but now she returns a different person.
It is 1892 and Charlie is excited to be working as acting matron at Maidens Creek hospital. It is a good career move, and she can get away from a man she should never have gotten herself involved with. At the same site, another former local boy, Daniel Hunt, a wealthy lawyer from Melbourne, is also making the journey back with his mate and to do some work for his father. He too is hiding from a disgruntled family member from his work.
This book has it all, and is based on real events. There is the murder of one of the nurses at the hospital, a severe storm which causes mass flooding and destroys so much of the town, not to mention a love story or 2. I love reading about this time in history, especially when it is set in Australia. It was a different time, especially for women. There is huge heart in this small Victorian town and I loved every minute of it.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for sending me a copy of this book to read. the Homecoming out now.
It is 1892 and Charlie is excited to be working as acting matron at Maidens Creek hospital. It is a good career move, and she can get away from a man she should never have gotten herself involved with. At the same site, another former local boy, Daniel Hunt, a wealthy lawyer from Melbourne, is also making the journey back with his mate and to do some work for his father. He too is hiding from a disgruntled family member from his work.
This book has it all, and is based on real events. There is the murder of one of the nurses at the hospital, a severe storm which causes mass flooding and destroys so much of the town, not to mention a love story or 2. I love reading about this time in history, especially when it is set in Australia. It was a different time, especially for women. There is huge heart in this small Victorian town and I loved every minute of it.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for sending me a copy of this book to read. the Homecoming out now.
May 26, 2023
Maiden’s Creek out from Melbourne. 1892 and Charlie Reid has taken a position at the hospital as Matron, escaping the bullying of a doctor who’d once been her hope of marriage, had married someone else and was now dogging her steps. Danny Hunt, now a criminal lawyer was returning to his beginnings looking into the father he’d never known.
What they find are old friends, new and old enemies, murder, all in the midst of one of the worst floods in years. Their resilience and intrepidness draws one in.
What they find are old friends, new and old enemies, murder, all in the midst of one of the worst floods in years. Their resilience and intrepidness draws one in.
December 11, 2022
‘Sometimes the past really doesn’t want to be disturbed.’
1892, Maiden’s Creek, Victoria. Charlie O’Reilly returns to Maiden’s Creek almost twenty years after she left. While Maiden’s Creek holds bad memories for Charlie, she returns as the acting matron of the local hospital and is determined to prove her worth. Charlie is also trying to move on after a disastrous relationship which has left her in a difficult situation.
Danny Hunt is independently wealthy and has a busy criminal law practice. Danny also has ties to Maiden’s Creek. When a court case leads to threats against Danny’s life, he takes the opportunity to accompany his friend Robert to Maiden’s Creek. Robert is visiting his sister, a nurse at the hospital.
Danny is looking for some answers about his past, while also undertaking some investigations on behalf of his stepfather into a now defunct mine. He is also aware that Robert may have some involvement in the theft of the Speaker’s Mace from the Victorian Parliament.
Charlie settles into her duties as acting matron, managing the hospital and attending to various crises. Robert is injured and admitted to the hospital, which delays his return to Melbourne. Danny stays on as well. A nurse is murdered at the hospital, and suspicion falls on her fiancé. Both Danny and Charlie are certain that he did not murder her, but can they prove it? And while they are attracted to each other, Charlie is determined to maintain a distance.
Well, Ms Stuart certainly kept me turning the pages. Yes, I wanted to know who killed the nurse (and why). I also was worried for a couple of lovely characters when Maiden’s Creek was hit by a disastrous flood. But most of all, I really wanted Danny and Charlie to negotiate the pitfalls of the past and find happiness. There are a few twists in the tale, and I finished it wanting more.
While this story is complete, I confess that I would be very happy to see this trilogy become a quartet.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book
for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
1892, Maiden’s Creek, Victoria. Charlie O’Reilly returns to Maiden’s Creek almost twenty years after she left. While Maiden’s Creek holds bad memories for Charlie, she returns as the acting matron of the local hospital and is determined to prove her worth. Charlie is also trying to move on after a disastrous relationship which has left her in a difficult situation.
Danny Hunt is independently wealthy and has a busy criminal law practice. Danny also has ties to Maiden’s Creek. When a court case leads to threats against Danny’s life, he takes the opportunity to accompany his friend Robert to Maiden’s Creek. Robert is visiting his sister, a nurse at the hospital.
Danny is looking for some answers about his past, while also undertaking some investigations on behalf of his stepfather into a now defunct mine. He is also aware that Robert may have some involvement in the theft of the Speaker’s Mace from the Victorian Parliament.
Charlie settles into her duties as acting matron, managing the hospital and attending to various crises. Robert is injured and admitted to the hospital, which delays his return to Melbourne. Danny stays on as well. A nurse is murdered at the hospital, and suspicion falls on her fiancé. Both Danny and Charlie are certain that he did not murder her, but can they prove it? And while they are attracted to each other, Charlie is determined to maintain a distance.
Well, Ms Stuart certainly kept me turning the pages. Yes, I wanted to know who killed the nurse (and why). I also was worried for a couple of lovely characters when Maiden’s Creek was hit by a disastrous flood. But most of all, I really wanted Danny and Charlie to negotiate the pitfalls of the past and find happiness. There are a few twists in the tale, and I finished it wanting more.
While this story is complete, I confess that I would be very happy to see this trilogy become a quartet.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book
for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
January 1, 2023
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
It’s been awhile between trips to Maiden’s Creek and the 1800’s but now that I have returned and visited I can recommend my journey.
Alison Stuart’s newest glimpse into the past is another historical fiction winner.
As we travel back in time to 1892, it’s been twenty years since the previous story.
Charlotte O’Reilly returns to Maiden’s Creek with a secret and the hospital to fill in as acting Matron.
To escape from a man and to prove her being.
Criminal Lawyer, Daniel Hunt is reeling from memories of his childhood and a strange father.
When a court case goes awry and someone threatens him he accompanies a friend to the town.
Danny and Charlie are soon thrown together when a innocent friend is accused of murdering a nurse.
Then a violent storm rushes through affecting all in it’s path.
Part of our great history storytelling gang, Alison brings to life on the pages a vibrant cast and reliable descriptions of a bygone time period.
Long time between books, The Homecoming is rich in period detail, solid narrative, era information and trailblazing characters.
An alluring tale of danger, ambition, romance, courage, mystery and history.
I’ve enjoyed my time back in the small town and reacquainting with familiar characters and new ones and it’s been a fulfilling adventure from cover to cover.
A delight to read.
It’s been awhile between trips to Maiden’s Creek and the 1800’s but now that I have returned and visited I can recommend my journey.
Alison Stuart’s newest glimpse into the past is another historical fiction winner.
As we travel back in time to 1892, it’s been twenty years since the previous story.
Charlotte O’Reilly returns to Maiden’s Creek with a secret and the hospital to fill in as acting Matron.
To escape from a man and to prove her being.
Criminal Lawyer, Daniel Hunt is reeling from memories of his childhood and a strange father.
When a court case goes awry and someone threatens him he accompanies a friend to the town.
Danny and Charlie are soon thrown together when a innocent friend is accused of murdering a nurse.
Then a violent storm rushes through affecting all in it’s path.
Part of our great history storytelling gang, Alison brings to life on the pages a vibrant cast and reliable descriptions of a bygone time period.
Long time between books, The Homecoming is rich in period detail, solid narrative, era information and trailblazing characters.
An alluring tale of danger, ambition, romance, courage, mystery and history.
I’ve enjoyed my time back in the small town and reacquainting with familiar characters and new ones and it’s been a fulfilling adventure from cover to cover.
A delight to read.
June 4, 2023
Another great book in this series.
May 19, 2023
I enjoyed all of the Maiden Creek stories, but this was the best, we caught up with our fav characters, a totaly delightful story.
April 22, 2023
Page turning story of ambition, revenge, and love.
December 4, 2022
What another excellent Australian Historical Romance by Alison Stuart! I really enjoyed The Homecoming which is the third instalment of the Maiden's Creek series. There is a lot packed into this novel set in 1892: floods, the missing mace, romance, mystery, murder, class and family/relationship issues. It is also a story about sacrifice and the difficulties women faced in an era when wanting to have a career and possibly a marriage, too, was highly unacceptable. The plot demonstrates the damage that can result from revenge, jealousy, deception and keeping secrets, too. But the rewards that can be reaped through honesty are still very real. There are some unexpected twists in the story that you might not see coming: good and bad outcomes that are appropriate to the crimes, actions and times.
The Homecoming is told through two individuals. Their viewpoints: a woman name Charlie and a man named Danny give us a well-rounded take on attitudes and events. We also get to hear their thoughts on each other and others which prove quite useful in drawing empathy out of the reader. It is easy to care about Danny and Charlie as they possess qualities of goodness that we can admire. They truly care about others and want the best for them and their kind acts prove the contents of their hearts.
Danny Hunt is a wealthy criminal lawyer who lives in Melbourne but is troubled by memories of his childhood years in Maiden's Creek. He wants to know more about his father but his mother has tried to protect him from the truth. When a court case infringes on his safety, he decides to flee Melbourne for a while in hopes things might die down in his absence. But will the threat follow him? An opportunity arises to attend to a matter in Maiden’s Creek with his friend, Robert. He jumps at the chance to go. But his visit to his old hometown carries more than one purpose. Including an opportunity to see a woman who once turned down his only marriage proposal years ago. She is sister to his friend, Robert, and also a nurse at the local hospital. But what does he hope to achieve by seeing her again? His life takes on quite a few surprises, twists and turns at Maiden’s Creek, including bumping into another woman he met and connected with when he was younger.
Charlie O’Reilly becomes acting nurse matron of Maiden's Creek hospital. She is from this town as well and returned recently after living away for a number of years. This place holds some negative memories, too, but the painful experience she is fleeing is far worse. She has been deceived and treated badly in a relationship and it has left her in an uncomfortable position. Yet she is an exceptional midwife and nurse who has wanted to become a doctor but without the financial means or cultural support. Thanks to the Florence Nightingale’s influence, professional training and accreditation for nurses was on the rise. But the first pioneer of Australian women doctors to enrol in university for medicine was Dr. Dagmar Berne. She trained at the University of Sydney in 1895. So, Charlie probably would not have been accepted before this time, even though she is bright and energetic and receives recognition for her abilities. She has also made waves for working sometimes outside the accepted system. Even though she always achieves positive results, this straying from protocol has created strikes against her. So, does the ends justify the means? This thinking will be heavily tested when she comes together with Danny to solve a crime.
I loved the ending with all the current threads of chaos tied up and issues resolved – or enough to make you satisfied to wait and see if any of these characters might be telling future stories. Although it may be the final book of what is currently a trilogy, I felt the door was left open a wee crack for a potential offshoot but we will have to see if the muse agrees. Regardless, I have loved this series and The Homecoming is a worthy addition. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Mira (HarperCollins Au) for a review copy.
The Homecoming is told through two individuals. Their viewpoints: a woman name Charlie and a man named Danny give us a well-rounded take on attitudes and events. We also get to hear their thoughts on each other and others which prove quite useful in drawing empathy out of the reader. It is easy to care about Danny and Charlie as they possess qualities of goodness that we can admire. They truly care about others and want the best for them and their kind acts prove the contents of their hearts.
Danny Hunt is a wealthy criminal lawyer who lives in Melbourne but is troubled by memories of his childhood years in Maiden's Creek. He wants to know more about his father but his mother has tried to protect him from the truth. When a court case infringes on his safety, he decides to flee Melbourne for a while in hopes things might die down in his absence. But will the threat follow him? An opportunity arises to attend to a matter in Maiden’s Creek with his friend, Robert. He jumps at the chance to go. But his visit to his old hometown carries more than one purpose. Including an opportunity to see a woman who once turned down his only marriage proposal years ago. She is sister to his friend, Robert, and also a nurse at the local hospital. But what does he hope to achieve by seeing her again? His life takes on quite a few surprises, twists and turns at Maiden’s Creek, including bumping into another woman he met and connected with when he was younger.
Charlie O’Reilly becomes acting nurse matron of Maiden's Creek hospital. She is from this town as well and returned recently after living away for a number of years. This place holds some negative memories, too, but the painful experience she is fleeing is far worse. She has been deceived and treated badly in a relationship and it has left her in an uncomfortable position. Yet she is an exceptional midwife and nurse who has wanted to become a doctor but without the financial means or cultural support. Thanks to the Florence Nightingale’s influence, professional training and accreditation for nurses was on the rise. But the first pioneer of Australian women doctors to enrol in university for medicine was Dr. Dagmar Berne. She trained at the University of Sydney in 1895. So, Charlie probably would not have been accepted before this time, even though she is bright and energetic and receives recognition for her abilities. She has also made waves for working sometimes outside the accepted system. Even though she always achieves positive results, this straying from protocol has created strikes against her. So, does the ends justify the means? This thinking will be heavily tested when she comes together with Danny to solve a crime.
I loved the ending with all the current threads of chaos tied up and issues resolved – or enough to make you satisfied to wait and see if any of these characters might be telling future stories. Although it may be the final book of what is currently a trilogy, I felt the door was left open a wee crack for a potential offshoot but we will have to see if the muse agrees. Regardless, I have loved this series and The Homecoming is a worthy addition. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Mira (HarperCollins Au) for a review copy.
December 23, 2022
This is the third book in this series and even though it is good to have read the books before it can be read as a stand alone. This was a real adventure with so much going on you have no time to put it down. There was mystery, murder, pasts that won’t stay in the past, secrets, disasters, and of course romance. All the characters where so well written that you can relate to each of them. The setting is very well-written and made easy to imagine. It is wonderful to read a historical read set in Australia. It was just an all-round wonderful read. I received this as an ARC and freely give my review.
February 19, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
Always so nice to catch up with much loved characters from earlier books...along with new characters to bring the book to life! Loved seeing Netti and Amos as well as, briefly, Adelaide and Caleb. Having visited Walhalla, it is easy to pick the inspiration. Highly recommend!
Always so nice to catch up with much loved characters from earlier books...along with new characters to bring the book to life! Loved seeing Netti and Amos as well as, briefly, Adelaide and Caleb. Having visited Walhalla, it is easy to pick the inspiration. Highly recommend!
March 29, 2023
I have a personal connection with the town of Walhalla and have loved the Maiden’s Creek books. They’ve given me some insight into life in that small town, although based on fiction. Thanks Alison Stuart, can’t wait for more.
February 9, 2023
“The Homecoming” is an absorbing Australian historical novel, combining a strong story of relationships with a mystery plot. I found both equally absorbing, and I was interested until the last word.
In 1892 both Danny Hunt and Charlie O’Reilly find themselves drawn back to the small settlement of Maiden’s Creek. Both spent time there when they were very young; both had good reasons to be happy when they left.
Charlie returns first, to take up a job as Matron of the small hospital. She finds this much as she had expected: small but busy, reasonably well resourced, and staffed with doctors who are highly dismissive of the nurses who do much of the actual work. Nevertheless, she enjoys the challenge and the work.
Danny returns rather more reluctantly. He has no particularly good memories of the area, and has been coerced into the visit. His friend Bertie wants to visit his sister, a nurse at the hospital – and although she’s previously refused Danny’s offer of marriage, several people push Danny to see her again. A prominent Melbourne figure has pressured Danny to look into Bertie’s rumored involvement in a theft. And finally, Danny’s step father has asked him to check that the worked out goldmine they own has been secured so that it is not dangerous.
Charlie and Danny met once, many years ago. It’s inevitable that they meet again – Maiden’s Creek is tiny, and Danny and Bertie are visiting one of Charlie’s nurses. But the spark that remains between them surprises both.
Readers of Stuart’s earlier novels will find that some of the characters here are familiar. If you’re a new reader, don’t worry – this novel tells you all you need to know. But if you have read those novels, you’ll enjoy a glimpse of what some familiar characters are up to twenty years later. For me, this added some depth and enjoyment to the novel. I’d only read one of the earlier novels, and found the references to the one I hadn’t read still added to this novel: nothing was unclear or difficult to follow.
Stuart has an excellent sense of the time and place she’s writing about. Many references to the social situation are woven into the novel. Although these focus most strongly on the roles forced on women and the way men behave towards them, there is also an awareness of the expectations that make life difficult for some men.
The setting was vividly drawn. Stuart develops a strong sense of place: the small settlement and the bush which surrounds it feels very real.
This novel features a plot which has a few surprises. I found “The Goldminer’s Sister” a little predictable, but not so with “The Homecoming”. True, it probably doesn’t take a lot to guess what might develop between Danny and Charlie. However, there are many other elements of the plot which will keep readers guessing until Stuart is ready to reveal the truth.
This was just a really enjoyable read: strong and empathetic characters in a vividly drawn setting, and an immersive depiction of a historical period. Readers who enjoy Australian historical fiction will enjoy this. Readers looking for strong characters or absorbing stories may also find it to their taste.
You may also be interested in my review of “The Goldminer’s Sister” by Alison Stuart:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
In 1892 both Danny Hunt and Charlie O’Reilly find themselves drawn back to the small settlement of Maiden’s Creek. Both spent time there when they were very young; both had good reasons to be happy when they left.
Charlie returns first, to take up a job as Matron of the small hospital. She finds this much as she had expected: small but busy, reasonably well resourced, and staffed with doctors who are highly dismissive of the nurses who do much of the actual work. Nevertheless, she enjoys the challenge and the work.
Danny returns rather more reluctantly. He has no particularly good memories of the area, and has been coerced into the visit. His friend Bertie wants to visit his sister, a nurse at the hospital – and although she’s previously refused Danny’s offer of marriage, several people push Danny to see her again. A prominent Melbourne figure has pressured Danny to look into Bertie’s rumored involvement in a theft. And finally, Danny’s step father has asked him to check that the worked out goldmine they own has been secured so that it is not dangerous.
Charlie and Danny met once, many years ago. It’s inevitable that they meet again – Maiden’s Creek is tiny, and Danny and Bertie are visiting one of Charlie’s nurses. But the spark that remains between them surprises both.
Readers of Stuart’s earlier novels will find that some of the characters here are familiar. If you’re a new reader, don’t worry – this novel tells you all you need to know. But if you have read those novels, you’ll enjoy a glimpse of what some familiar characters are up to twenty years later. For me, this added some depth and enjoyment to the novel. I’d only read one of the earlier novels, and found the references to the one I hadn’t read still added to this novel: nothing was unclear or difficult to follow.
Stuart has an excellent sense of the time and place she’s writing about. Many references to the social situation are woven into the novel. Although these focus most strongly on the roles forced on women and the way men behave towards them, there is also an awareness of the expectations that make life difficult for some men.
The setting was vividly drawn. Stuart develops a strong sense of place: the small settlement and the bush which surrounds it feels very real.
This novel features a plot which has a few surprises. I found “The Goldminer’s Sister” a little predictable, but not so with “The Homecoming”. True, it probably doesn’t take a lot to guess what might develop between Danny and Charlie. However, there are many other elements of the plot which will keep readers guessing until Stuart is ready to reveal the truth.
This was just a really enjoyable read: strong and empathetic characters in a vividly drawn setting, and an immersive depiction of a historical period. Readers who enjoy Australian historical fiction will enjoy this. Readers looking for strong characters or absorbing stories may also find it to their taste.
You may also be interested in my review of “The Goldminer’s Sister” by Alison Stuart:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
January 29, 2023
Australia 1892, Charlotte (Charlie) O'Reilly returns to Maiden's Creek after 20 years to take up the position of Matron at the local Hospital. Life in the township was particularly difficult for Charlie as a young girl.
Danny Greaves, now Danny Hunt after being adopted as a boy by Caleb Hunt,veteran of the American Civil War and once Doctor in the town, also returns to his childhood memories and fears in the small township of Maiden's Creek.
Secrets and lies have been very real in the young lives of both of them and, in reality, this has not changed.
The town is beset with a murder and a flood and both these incidents test them and those they care about.
Danny, now a noted lawyer in Melbourne, and Charlie, set themselves the task of solving the murder of a young nurse and thereby proving the innocence of a friend. Their actions place them both in danger but their determination to help where they are needed pushes them on.
This story is a fitting end to the Maiden's Creek series though I am sad to see the end of these characters whom I have loved.
Thank you Alison Stuart for a great series and another one in this vein would be lovely! And since the town from which your inspiration for Maiden's Creek still exists, can we have some more please!
I love this series and highly recommend it to other readers.
Danny Greaves, now Danny Hunt after being adopted as a boy by Caleb Hunt,veteran of the American Civil War and once Doctor in the town, also returns to his childhood memories and fears in the small township of Maiden's Creek.
Secrets and lies have been very real in the young lives of both of them and, in reality, this has not changed.
The town is beset with a murder and a flood and both these incidents test them and those they care about.
Danny, now a noted lawyer in Melbourne, and Charlie, set themselves the task of solving the murder of a young nurse and thereby proving the innocence of a friend. Their actions place them both in danger but their determination to help where they are needed pushes them on.
This story is a fitting end to the Maiden's Creek series though I am sad to see the end of these characters whom I have loved.
Thank you Alison Stuart for a great series and another one in this vein would be lovely! And since the town from which your inspiration for Maiden's Creek still exists, can we have some more please!
I love this series and highly recommend it to other readers.
January 2, 2023
Third in Alison Stuart’s Maiden’s Creek series, The Homecoming introduces as adults two characters that appeared in earlier books as children, and what a difference twenty years makes!. Charlotte (Charlie) O’Reilly and Daniel Hunt have come a long way from their less than auspicious starts. She’s achieved her place in society as a nurse, thanks to financial assistance from her benefactress Eliza McLeod. As the story opens, Charlie is about to return to Maiden’s Creek to take up a temporary position as matron of the local hospital. She’s extremely competent, dedicated to giving her patients the best of care and also both feisty and strong-willed, which has her clashing with the town’s doctors before very long. Danny has also made a name for himself in Melbourne, where he is independently wealthy and works pro-bono as a lawyer defending those less fortunate. He’s a good man with a shadow hanging over him thanks to his birth father, who took advantage of his mother before The Postmistress, book one in this series, begn. This story is skilfully woven, blending intrigue, murder, prejudice and love to provide a balanced plot that kept me on my toes and guessing. As with the other Maiden’s Creek stories, this one has earned a place on my keeper shelf.
March 6, 2023
https://denisenewtonwrites.com/?p=4079
I took a while to get fully involved in this novel, perhaps because I had read The Goldminer’s Sister in 2020 and my memory had to work hard to recall the characters and events from that story. Having said that, The Homecoming would also make a satisfying stand-alone read without reference to the earlier books. There is mystery, romance and some terrific characters; all of which add up to a great addition to Australian historical fiction shelves.
Alison Stuart
I took a while to get fully involved in this novel, perhaps because I had read The Goldminer’s Sister in 2020 and my memory had to work hard to recall the characters and events from that story. Having said that, The Homecoming would also make a satisfying stand-alone read without reference to the earlier books. There is mystery, romance and some terrific characters; all of which add up to a great addition to Australian historical fiction shelves.
Alison Stuart
March 7, 2023
A fantastic return to Maiden’s Creek, whereby 2 former residents reattach themselves to the township.
Charlie and Danny both started their lives in Maiden’s Creek, but both moved to Melbourne, where they met the once then moved on with their lives.
Charlie is the new Matron at the hospital and Danny is accompanying his friend and also doing business for his father.
Both Charlie and Danny face problems that have arisen in the town and must face the fact, that their lives should be entwined together, but need to find the common ground to ensure it happens.
A book that keeps you interested from the first page to the last.
Charlie and Danny both started their lives in Maiden’s Creek, but both moved to Melbourne, where they met the once then moved on with their lives.
Charlie is the new Matron at the hospital and Danny is accompanying his friend and also doing business for his father.
Both Charlie and Danny face problems that have arisen in the town and must face the fact, that their lives should be entwined together, but need to find the common ground to ensure it happens.
A book that keeps you interested from the first page to the last.
May 31, 2023
This book filled my heart, I am such a fan of Alison Stuart’s Maiden’s Creek series, and the third book was so worth the wait.
From the moment I picked it up I squealed with joy as I was reunited with the fictional town and its locals and not to mention that Charlie was all grown up and taking a starring role.
As the title suggests this story is about a homecoming and is told from Charlie and Danny’s points of view. Neither of them has seen each other in years and by chance they end up back in Maiden’s Creek at the same time.
This story has the perfect mix of drama, romance and mystery.
It had a perfect ending, and I couldn’t have loved this book more. I highly recommend it!
From the moment I picked it up I squealed with joy as I was reunited with the fictional town and its locals and not to mention that Charlie was all grown up and taking a starring role.
As the title suggests this story is about a homecoming and is told from Charlie and Danny’s points of view. Neither of them has seen each other in years and by chance they end up back in Maiden’s Creek at the same time.
This story has the perfect mix of drama, romance and mystery.
It had a perfect ending, and I couldn’t have loved this book more. I highly recommend it!
September 29, 2023
This is the story of Charlie O’Reilly. She has a very different upbringing and eventually trains to become a nurse. She is nursing in Melbourne and one of the doctors declares undying love for her. She finds that he is married and goes to London to continue her career. Upon her return he wants to continue their relationship and she escapes by becoming the Matron at Maiden’s Creek hospital.
As a young girl she has met, very briefly Daniel Hunt.
Daniel has a story of his own. He also goes to Maiden’s Creek.
The book tells the story of the interaction between the two as they find a murderer and deal with the small town being flooded.
As a young girl she has met, very briefly Daniel Hunt.
Daniel has a story of his own. He also goes to Maiden’s Creek.
The book tells the story of the interaction between the two as they find a murderer and deal with the small town being flooded.
April 6, 2024
A return to Maiden's Creek for two people who had been part of the community in their childhood. Both had left and lived different lives in their teenage years and from what their early years would have suggested.
Charlie has come back to work as Matron at the small hospital and Danny has come to check the closing down of the family mine had been completed properly. Events and tension build and the poor town suffers a flood that damages various buildings. The climax of the story was well constructed.
I was caught up in the story, Alison certainly can weave a tale to get the reader in.
Charlie has come back to work as Matron at the small hospital and Danny has come to check the closing down of the family mine had been completed properly. Events and tension build and the poor town suffers a flood that damages various buildings. The climax of the story was well constructed.
I was caught up in the story, Alison certainly can weave a tale to get the reader in.
April 22, 2023
Another wonderful read by Alison Stuart. This is the third in the series set in Maiden's Creek in historic Australia. There is about a 20 year gap in the lives of the characters, but it was easy to follow. It would also be ok as a stand alone.
Enough historical detail to draw you in with well formed characters. Add some adventure, intrigue, dangerous floods, and a touch of romance and you have a great story I couldn't put down.
Enough historical detail to draw you in with well formed characters. Add some adventure, intrigue, dangerous floods, and a touch of romance and you have a great story I couldn't put down.
January 22, 2025
The Homecoming was the first novel I have read by Alison Stuart and it did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It had a bit of everything in it - romance, mystery, murder, natural disaster, troubled relationships, treachery, injustice, the appealing atmosphere of small town Australia and a very satisfying end. An altogether good read. I am looking forward to reading some more of Alison Stuart's novels.
January 10, 2023
Wonderful Australian historical fiction! I enjoyed this depiction of life for nurses, life in a small country town and the past coming back into peoples lives. The theme of flooding is very timely at the moment as our news has been full of floods in different places in Australia. A lovely variety of characters and lots happening made for a great read.
January 29, 2023
the homecoming
A wonderful story of how women battled for recognition, in a male dominated world. Of love finally winning and making two people happy. Of how treacherous the Aussie way of life can be with Mother Nature, small town pitching in to help come back from natures flooding
A wonderful story of how women battled for recognition, in a male dominated world. Of love finally winning and making two people happy. Of how treacherous the Aussie way of life can be with Mother Nature, small town pitching in to help come back from natures flooding
February 20, 2023
It took me a bit to get into it - Charlie and Danny didn’t grip me from the first moment, but then I tore through the last 4/5ths so quickly.
Stuart has a real knack for capturing the bush, and while the plot was a little overdone it was still a very enjoyable read.
Stuart has a real knack for capturing the bush, and while the plot was a little overdone it was still a very enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews