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Maiden's Creek #1
The Postmistress
A stunning historical tale of loss, desire and courage that is full of the terror and the beauty of the Australian bush, for readers of The Thorn Birds , The Naturalist's Daughter and The Widow of Ballarat .To forge a new life she must first deal with her past...1871. Adelaide Greaves and her young son have found sanctuary in the Australian town of Maiden's Creek, where she works as a postmistress. The rough Victorian goldmining settlement is a hard place for a woman - especially as the other women in town don't know what to make of her - but through force of will and sheer necessity, Adelaide carves out a role.But her past is coming to find her, and the embittered and scarred Confederate soldier Caleb Hunt, in town in search of gold and not without a dark past of his own, might be the only one who can help. Can Adelaide trust him? Can she trust anyone?When death and danger threaten - some from her past, some born of the Australian bush - she must swallow her pride and turn to Caleb to join her in the fight, a fight she is determined to win...PRAISE' Meticulously researched and brilliantly realised , Alison Stuart's novel of vengeance, love and the power of a determined woman is hugely enjoyable .' Tea Cooper, author of The Woman in the Green Dress
424 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2019
265 people are currently reading
822 people want to read
About the author
Alison Stuart
25 books367 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.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
June 13, 2019
As someone who enjoys historical fiction I have read nearly all of this author's books and have always enjoyed them. This is her first one for me which is set in Australia and she has certainly done her research!
The action all takes place in a small country town near the gold fields and we get a really good study of what it was like to live there at that time - the extremes of temperature, the difficulties of transport, and the dangers of bushfires, poisonous snakes and mining accidents with substandard medical care available.
Set against this background is the romance between the two main characters which does make up most of the story. Historical Romance is not always my favourite genre but this author writes well, keeps things moving and provides a lot of action besides the star struck lovers!
I found this an interesting and enjoyable read.
The action all takes place in a small country town near the gold fields and we get a really good study of what it was like to live there at that time - the extremes of temperature, the difficulties of transport, and the dangers of bushfires, poisonous snakes and mining accidents with substandard medical care available.
Set against this background is the romance between the two main characters which does make up most of the story. Historical Romance is not always my favourite genre but this author writes well, keeps things moving and provides a lot of action besides the star struck lovers!
I found this an interesting and enjoyable read.
June 14, 2019
Adelaide and her friend Netty had arrived in Australia from England, and after working for a short time in Melbourne, moved to Maiden’s Creek where Adelaide took up the position of postmistress. Her young son Danny was the light of her life, and the three of them settled in well. It was 1871 and the small goldmining town housed some rough and ready folks, but Adelaide was a strong woman and determined to forge a future.
Caleb Hunt was recently arrived from the United States and the war had left scarring in his heart. His arrival in Maiden’s Creek after winning a claim at two-up was the beginning of a harsh lifestyle, but things changed when there was an accident at the local mine. The unforgiving Australian bush which surrounded the town was strange to Caleb, but he gradually came to love the small community and its people.
Little did Adelaide know things would change for her and Danny, and soon. Her past was about to catch up with her…
The Postmistress by Aussie author Alison Stuart is the first of her writing which is set in Australia, and I loved it. Her research shines through, and her words at the end telling of the town of Maiden’s Creek and the inspiration for it, was really interesting. Adelaide is a strong character and Netty made me smile. The Postmistress is a thoroughly enjoyable historical fiction novel - with a gentle romance - which I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Caleb Hunt was recently arrived from the United States and the war had left scarring in his heart. His arrival in Maiden’s Creek after winning a claim at two-up was the beginning of a harsh lifestyle, but things changed when there was an accident at the local mine. The unforgiving Australian bush which surrounded the town was strange to Caleb, but he gradually came to love the small community and its people.
Little did Adelaide know things would change for her and Danny, and soon. Her past was about to catch up with her…
The Postmistress by Aussie author Alison Stuart is the first of her writing which is set in Australia, and I loved it. Her research shines through, and her words at the end telling of the town of Maiden’s Creek and the inspiration for it, was really interesting. Adelaide is a strong character and Netty made me smile. The Postmistress is a thoroughly enjoyable historical fiction novel - with a gentle romance - which I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2019
This is an engaging Australian romance set in the 1870s in a fictional Victorian goldmining town. Adelaide Greaves, the town postmistress ran away from her wealthy home in England ten years before and is living a quiet life as a widow with a young son. When American, Caleb Hunt, an ex-confederate soldier, arrives in town to look at a mining claim he won in a gambling game and is badly injured, Adelaide offers him a bed in an outside cabin until he recuperates. Neither are looking for romance but are soon drawn to each other. What Adelaide doesn't know, is that secrets from her past are about to catch up with her and she may have to leave the place she has come to love.
This is a well researched historical romance, with the author drawing an atmospheric picture of a small 1870s mining town, with its society and class structure based around the banks, pubs and brothels required to service the miners and their families. She has not romanticised the difficulties involved in travelling to such rugged places, the problems with mining there, the relentless noise from the mine, the lack of good health care in the case of serious accidents or the extreme poverty suffered by the families of less fortunate miners which makes for an interesting background to this romance. 3.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital copy to read
This is a well researched historical romance, with the author drawing an atmospheric picture of a small 1870s mining town, with its society and class structure based around the banks, pubs and brothels required to service the miners and their families. She has not romanticised the difficulties involved in travelling to such rugged places, the problems with mining there, the relentless noise from the mine, the lack of good health care in the case of serious accidents or the extreme poverty suffered by the families of less fortunate miners which makes for an interesting background to this romance. 3.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital copy to read
November 25, 2019
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**4.5 stars**
The Postmistress by Alison Stuart. (2019).
It's 1871. Adelaide and her young son live in Maiden's Creek where she works as a postmistress. The rough Victorian goldmining settlement is a hard place for a woman but through force of will and sheer necessity, Adelaide carves out a role. But her past is coming to find her and she may need the help of the embittered and scarred Confederate soldier Caleb. Caleb is in search of gold and not without a dark past of his own. When death and danger threaten, she must swallow her pride and turn to Caleb to join her in the fight that she is determined to win...
I don't often venture before the year 1900 (don't ask me why, I have no logical answer haha). So I was surprised just how much I got into this book and really enjoyed it. I was really drawn into the storyline, and I really liked Adelaide. I love when the female lead is intelligent, strong and forward for the times. There is a romance in the storyline and I think it was done really well as it didn't 'take over'; it was quite subtle but still obvious and quite lovely. Caleb was a bit of a dark horse for me; at first I wasn't sure about him and then he grew on me so by the end I really liked his character. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would happily recommend to those that enjoy historical fiction (or those that are looking to try a historical fiction, this would be a great start in that genre).
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**4.5 stars**
The Postmistress by Alison Stuart. (2019).
It's 1871. Adelaide and her young son live in Maiden's Creek where she works as a postmistress. The rough Victorian goldmining settlement is a hard place for a woman but through force of will and sheer necessity, Adelaide carves out a role. But her past is coming to find her and she may need the help of the embittered and scarred Confederate soldier Caleb. Caleb is in search of gold and not without a dark past of his own. When death and danger threaten, she must swallow her pride and turn to Caleb to join her in the fight that she is determined to win...
I don't often venture before the year 1900 (don't ask me why, I have no logical answer haha). So I was surprised just how much I got into this book and really enjoyed it. I was really drawn into the storyline, and I really liked Adelaide. I love when the female lead is intelligent, strong and forward for the times. There is a romance in the storyline and I think it was done really well as it didn't 'take over'; it was quite subtle but still obvious and quite lovely. Caleb was a bit of a dark horse for me; at first I wasn't sure about him and then he grew on me so by the end I really liked his character. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would happily recommend to those that enjoy historical fiction (or those that are looking to try a historical fiction, this would be a great start in that genre).
September 14, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Australia and Alison Stuart for my copy of: The Postmistress.
1871 Australia, Adelaide Greaves is an English widow she and her young son Danny live in the small mining town of Maiden's Creek in Victoria and she works as a postmistress. It’s not easy for a single woman with a young son to live in a rough mining town in the gold fields and Adelaide has her best friend Netty for support.
Battle weary ex confederate soldier Caleb Hunt, arrives in town in search of gold and he’s trying to escape his past. There’s a terrible accident, a man is injured at the local mine and they desperately need a sober doctor. Caleb is a qualified doctor, he doesn’t want to work as one as he’s seen enough death and dying during the American Civil War to last him a life time and he does the right thing and takes care of the wounded miner.
Adelaide and Caleb both have pasts, secrets and Australia is the perfect place to live or hide and start again. Caleb and Adelaide are very attracted to each other, just when the both feel like they can move forward, start a romantic relationship and Richard Barnwell arrives in town.
Adelaide has to tell Caleb the truth about Richard, it affects her son Danny and Richard Barnwell is a very nasty man. When Danny goes missing, Adelaide and Caleb need to find him and it’s during a dangerous bush fire. Alison Stuart explains exactly what it’s like to be caught up in an Australian bush fire; they spread very quickly, strong winds make them very unpredictable, with out any warning they can change direction and the smoke from the fire extremely dangerous.
I enjoyed reading The Postmistress, my only regret is I didn’t read it first and then read The Goldminer’s Sister after; but I still really enjoyed the book and gave it four stars. I have shared my review on Goodreads, Australian Amazon, Kobo, NetGalley, Twitter, Barnes & Noble, and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
1871 Australia, Adelaide Greaves is an English widow she and her young son Danny live in the small mining town of Maiden's Creek in Victoria and she works as a postmistress. It’s not easy for a single woman with a young son to live in a rough mining town in the gold fields and Adelaide has her best friend Netty for support.
Battle weary ex confederate soldier Caleb Hunt, arrives in town in search of gold and he’s trying to escape his past. There’s a terrible accident, a man is injured at the local mine and they desperately need a sober doctor. Caleb is a qualified doctor, he doesn’t want to work as one as he’s seen enough death and dying during the American Civil War to last him a life time and he does the right thing and takes care of the wounded miner.
Adelaide and Caleb both have pasts, secrets and Australia is the perfect place to live or hide and start again. Caleb and Adelaide are very attracted to each other, just when the both feel like they can move forward, start a romantic relationship and Richard Barnwell arrives in town.
Adelaide has to tell Caleb the truth about Richard, it affects her son Danny and Richard Barnwell is a very nasty man. When Danny goes missing, Adelaide and Caleb need to find him and it’s during a dangerous bush fire. Alison Stuart explains exactly what it’s like to be caught up in an Australian bush fire; they spread very quickly, strong winds make them very unpredictable, with out any warning they can change direction and the smoke from the fire extremely dangerous.
I enjoyed reading The Postmistress, my only regret is I didn’t read it first and then read The Goldminer’s Sister after; but I still really enjoyed the book and gave it four stars. I have shared my review on Goodreads, Australian Amazon, Kobo, NetGalley, Twitter, Barnes & Noble, and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
July 20, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Book #14 in the #20BACKLISTIN2020 challenge
Adelaide’s position as a postmistress put her in a unique position.’
Turn back the clock to the 1870s and step into the shoes of Adelaide Greaves, the strong, determined and steadfast heroine of Alison Stuart’s The Postmistress. An enrapturing tale of history, danger, romance, free will and courage, The Postmistress sweeps the reader off their feet from chapter one to the departing line.
Adelaide Greaves and her young son Danny have settled in the mining town of Maiden’s Creek from England. Taking up the position as the local postmistress, this free and independent life is far removed from Adelaide’s previous strict existence under her father’s rule back in England. Despite the hard work and unfavorable work conditions of the gold mining settlement, Adelaide basks in her new life. Times are tough, but Adelaide is determined to make it work, even if the townfolk of Maiden’s Creek are suspicious of her arrival. No matter how hard Adelaide tries to keep the past in the past, she cannot stop it coming back to haunt her. When a face from her previous life in England arrives in Maiden’s Creek, Adelaide calls on the help of another new settler to the town, Caleb Hunt, an American solider. Adelaide isn’t sure if Caleb can protect her, but she places her trust in this newcomer, which will have dangerous outcomes for all involved.
I came to The Postmistress immediately after reading Alison Stuart’s most recent release and follow on novel to this one, The Goldminer’s Sister. I couldn’t get enough of Alison Stuart’s writing and the fictional mining town in which this novel is set. Utterly addictive and unputdownable, I devoured The Postmistress in just two sittings, it was simply fabulous, a gold star read!
Alison Stuart has a real flair for peppering her novel with strong, independent and enterprising female leads. The heroine of The Postmistress was admirable and very appealing. I could easily read more adventures featuring the unmissable Adelaide Greaves. I really admired her spirit, sense of self respect, righteousness and bravery. It takes a lot of courage to forge a new life on the other side of the world, in a largely inhospitable country, but Adelaide’s embraces all life in remote Australia has to offer. Not only does she make a go of it, challenging society’s norms, Adelaide is also very successful in her role.
The secondary cast are an amazing set to follow. From the hero of this tale, to the awful villain, the endearing Danny, local doctor, coachman and various townsfolk, The Postmistress has the ability to draw readers in to the lives of the colourful township of Maiden’s Creek. I enjoyed the various twists, turns, problems, setbacks, challenges and everyday situations faced by the local community. Stuart also delves into some dramatic happenings from mine accidents, to disease outbreaks, fires, transportation issues, resource difficulties and economic challenges. Each was touched on with a strong level of insight and historical accuracy.
I couldn’t wait to peruse the author’s note at the close of the novel, I knew I was in for a wonderful bonus extra to this enthralling tale. Stuart did not disappoint in this area and I was thoroughly impressed by the research base of The Postmistress. I appreciated learning about the first hand experiences Stuart conducted in gold panning, it really was a joy to discover!
With a dramatic build up to an action packed ending and a pleasing line of romance rounding The Postmistress off to a satisfying close, I give this title my highest recommendation. Five full stars for The Postmistress by Alison Stuart.
The Postmistress is book #83 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
Book #14 in the #20BACKLISTIN2020 challenge
Adelaide’s position as a postmistress put her in a unique position.’
Turn back the clock to the 1870s and step into the shoes of Adelaide Greaves, the strong, determined and steadfast heroine of Alison Stuart’s The Postmistress. An enrapturing tale of history, danger, romance, free will and courage, The Postmistress sweeps the reader off their feet from chapter one to the departing line.
Adelaide Greaves and her young son Danny have settled in the mining town of Maiden’s Creek from England. Taking up the position as the local postmistress, this free and independent life is far removed from Adelaide’s previous strict existence under her father’s rule back in England. Despite the hard work and unfavorable work conditions of the gold mining settlement, Adelaide basks in her new life. Times are tough, but Adelaide is determined to make it work, even if the townfolk of Maiden’s Creek are suspicious of her arrival. No matter how hard Adelaide tries to keep the past in the past, she cannot stop it coming back to haunt her. When a face from her previous life in England arrives in Maiden’s Creek, Adelaide calls on the help of another new settler to the town, Caleb Hunt, an American solider. Adelaide isn’t sure if Caleb can protect her, but she places her trust in this newcomer, which will have dangerous outcomes for all involved.
I came to The Postmistress immediately after reading Alison Stuart’s most recent release and follow on novel to this one, The Goldminer’s Sister. I couldn’t get enough of Alison Stuart’s writing and the fictional mining town in which this novel is set. Utterly addictive and unputdownable, I devoured The Postmistress in just two sittings, it was simply fabulous, a gold star read!
Alison Stuart has a real flair for peppering her novel with strong, independent and enterprising female leads. The heroine of The Postmistress was admirable and very appealing. I could easily read more adventures featuring the unmissable Adelaide Greaves. I really admired her spirit, sense of self respect, righteousness and bravery. It takes a lot of courage to forge a new life on the other side of the world, in a largely inhospitable country, but Adelaide’s embraces all life in remote Australia has to offer. Not only does she make a go of it, challenging society’s norms, Adelaide is also very successful in her role.
The secondary cast are an amazing set to follow. From the hero of this tale, to the awful villain, the endearing Danny, local doctor, coachman and various townsfolk, The Postmistress has the ability to draw readers in to the lives of the colourful township of Maiden’s Creek. I enjoyed the various twists, turns, problems, setbacks, challenges and everyday situations faced by the local community. Stuart also delves into some dramatic happenings from mine accidents, to disease outbreaks, fires, transportation issues, resource difficulties and economic challenges. Each was touched on with a strong level of insight and historical accuracy.
I couldn’t wait to peruse the author’s note at the close of the novel, I knew I was in for a wonderful bonus extra to this enthralling tale. Stuart did not disappoint in this area and I was thoroughly impressed by the research base of The Postmistress. I appreciated learning about the first hand experiences Stuart conducted in gold panning, it really was a joy to discover!
With a dramatic build up to an action packed ending and a pleasing line of romance rounding The Postmistress off to a satisfying close, I give this title my highest recommendation. Five full stars for The Postmistress by Alison Stuart.
The Postmistress is book #83 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
June 16, 2019
The Postmistress is the first book by Alison Stuart that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not my usual genre of reading but this historical fiction/romance was a wonderful read. The detail that went into describing the Australian bush town made me feel as if I was there. This book would make a great film, always something going on and great characters. I will be looking for more from Alison in the future.
In 1861 Adelaide and Netty - her servant and friend - fled the UK. Adelaide was 17 and pregnant and the baby's father dead. Her own father would never approve. In 1871 they have made themselves a new life in the small Victorian goldmining town of Maidens Creek when Adelaide is the mother to Daniel and the local postmistress. Her life is about to change forever when American Caleb Hunt arrives in town to make his fortune - and steal Adelaide's heart.. This small town sees a lot of drama and both Adelaide and Caleb must face their pasts to move on with their futures.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
In 1861 Adelaide and Netty - her servant and friend - fled the UK. Adelaide was 17 and pregnant and the baby's father dead. Her own father would never approve. In 1871 they have made themselves a new life in the small Victorian goldmining town of Maidens Creek when Adelaide is the mother to Daniel and the local postmistress. Her life is about to change forever when American Caleb Hunt arrives in town to make his fortune - and steal Adelaide's heart.. This small town sees a lot of drama and both Adelaide and Caleb must face their pasts to move on with their futures.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
May 7, 2025
Four and a half stars
Adelaide and her friend Netty arrive from England and land in Australia. They spend some time in Melbourne before Adelaide takes on the position of postmistress in the rural town of Maiden’s Creek. The two women and Adelaide’s son Danny settle into their new life. The year is 1871.
Caleb Hunt from Virginia, has survived the American Civil War, but it has left its scars. In Australia he has won a gold mining claim in Maiden’s Creek in a game of two up. Neither Adelaide nor Caleb is looking for romance, but they cannot deny the attraction that flares up between them. But then both Adelaide’s and Caleb’s pasts raise issues neither of them anticipated.
The harshness of the Australian landscape and the vagaries of Aussie weather are clearly displayed. The characters are well drawn and there are interesting secondary characters as well that command attention.
At one stage I thought it was tending to slow down a bit but then the author ramped up the ante with a couple of curveballs in that certainly garner attention.
A recommended read for lovers of rural fiction and a well told story.
Adelaide and her friend Netty arrive from England and land in Australia. They spend some time in Melbourne before Adelaide takes on the position of postmistress in the rural town of Maiden’s Creek. The two women and Adelaide’s son Danny settle into their new life. The year is 1871.
Caleb Hunt from Virginia, has survived the American Civil War, but it has left its scars. In Australia he has won a gold mining claim in Maiden’s Creek in a game of two up. Neither Adelaide nor Caleb is looking for romance, but they cannot deny the attraction that flares up between them. But then both Adelaide’s and Caleb’s pasts raise issues neither of them anticipated.
The harshness of the Australian landscape and the vagaries of Aussie weather are clearly displayed. The characters are well drawn and there are interesting secondary characters as well that command attention.
At one stage I thought it was tending to slow down a bit but then the author ramped up the ante with a couple of curveballs in that certainly garner attention.
A recommended read for lovers of rural fiction and a well told story.
June 17, 2019
I love MS Stuart’s books, she has a fabulous way with words and this story is just fabulous, her first set in Australia and can I say how much I loved this one it kept me up very late last night finishing it. I love Adelaide and Caleb, they are wonderful honest characters that have been through a lot and come through with love and friendship, this one is a must read.
Adelaide Lewis had led a secluded and privileged life in England, an only child with an uncaring wealthy father, but at a ball her life changes forever, her and her maid and best friend Netty arrive in Melbourne here she gives birth to her son Daniel and creates a new life for them all. Soon she is taking up the role of postmistress in the small gold mining town of Maiden’s Creek, she is strong and caring. Life is about to change again for Adelaide when a newcomer arrives in town an American with secrets.
Caleb Hunt has arrived in Australia after serving as a confederate soldier what he has seen and been through is enough to bring a man down but her moves on and decides to take his chance at gold mining after winning a claim in a game of chance, he arrives in Maiden’s Creek to find that he has been let down badly. Then he meets the beautiful postmistress and her son and there is a pull toward this woman, he feels that he may be able to open up to her, and then the time comes when he needs to open up to a secret that will help the town and when danger arrives in town in the form of an old friend of Adelaide’s, Caleb steps up and life is about to get a whole lot better for him.
This book is such a page turner, so many emotions it is moving and so well researched and written, it pulled me in from page one, the setting, the characters the depth of friendship and struggle that was a way of life back then. I loved getting to know Caleb and Adelaide the strength they drew from each other had me cheering them on. I do highly recommend this book, it really is a wonderful story, thank you MS Stuart this one is a keeper.
Adelaide Lewis had led a secluded and privileged life in England, an only child with an uncaring wealthy father, but at a ball her life changes forever, her and her maid and best friend Netty arrive in Melbourne here she gives birth to her son Daniel and creates a new life for them all. Soon she is taking up the role of postmistress in the small gold mining town of Maiden’s Creek, she is strong and caring. Life is about to change again for Adelaide when a newcomer arrives in town an American with secrets.
Caleb Hunt has arrived in Australia after serving as a confederate soldier what he has seen and been through is enough to bring a man down but her moves on and decides to take his chance at gold mining after winning a claim in a game of chance, he arrives in Maiden’s Creek to find that he has been let down badly. Then he meets the beautiful postmistress and her son and there is a pull toward this woman, he feels that he may be able to open up to her, and then the time comes when he needs to open up to a secret that will help the town and when danger arrives in town in the form of an old friend of Adelaide’s, Caleb steps up and life is about to get a whole lot better for him.
This book is such a page turner, so many emotions it is moving and so well researched and written, it pulled me in from page one, the setting, the characters the depth of friendship and struggle that was a way of life back then. I loved getting to know Caleb and Adelaide the strength they drew from each other had me cheering them on. I do highly recommend this book, it really is a wonderful story, thank you MS Stuart this one is a keeper.
July 23, 2022
Book #1 in the Maiden’s Creek trilogy.
This historical tale begins on the 6th of December 1861 in Liverpool England where miss Adelaide Lewis suddenly finds herself faced with a dreadful predicament which will change the course of her life drastically.
As Adelaide’s business driven father, Sir Daniel Lewis, reads a telegram over breakfast he suddenly becomes enraged before revealing the devastating news that his ship Evangeline, did not make it to the port in Savannah.
It appears that the ship with all its cargo has been lost at sea and all on board are presumed lost with it…presumed dead.
Adelaide is shocked and fraught with fear as she hears this news as the man she loves and had intended to marry on his return, was onboard that ship.
Her father is insensitively dismissive of that particular fact as he didn’t much care for the man and had never intended on giving his consent anyway, he had other suitors in mind for his only daughter and heir.
Adelaide is beside herself with fear and worry as she holds a secret that she knows her father would never forgive.
She confides in her long time maid and friend and while her father is away dealing with the business of the missing ship, they hatch a plan to run away from her father’s long reach and start a new life.
And so begins a daring and adventurous journey into unknown territories where they feel sure her father will never discover her whereabouts…that is their hope.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and once I settled into the story it proved to be a real page turner. There are lots of interesting and descriptive facts and things of note about life in the beautiful Australian bush during those early times that made it come to life.
I didn’t realize until the end that it was the first book in a trilogy, and although it could be read as a stand alone, I find I’m quite looking forward now to reading book two…
I’m eager to find out where the next chapter leads.
4⭐️s
This historical tale begins on the 6th of December 1861 in Liverpool England where miss Adelaide Lewis suddenly finds herself faced with a dreadful predicament which will change the course of her life drastically.
As Adelaide’s business driven father, Sir Daniel Lewis, reads a telegram over breakfast he suddenly becomes enraged before revealing the devastating news that his ship Evangeline, did not make it to the port in Savannah.
It appears that the ship with all its cargo has been lost at sea and all on board are presumed lost with it…presumed dead.
Adelaide is shocked and fraught with fear as she hears this news as the man she loves and had intended to marry on his return, was onboard that ship.
Her father is insensitively dismissive of that particular fact as he didn’t much care for the man and had never intended on giving his consent anyway, he had other suitors in mind for his only daughter and heir.
Adelaide is beside herself with fear and worry as she holds a secret that she knows her father would never forgive.
She confides in her long time maid and friend and while her father is away dealing with the business of the missing ship, they hatch a plan to run away from her father’s long reach and start a new life.
And so begins a daring and adventurous journey into unknown territories where they feel sure her father will never discover her whereabouts…that is their hope.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and once I settled into the story it proved to be a real page turner. There are lots of interesting and descriptive facts and things of note about life in the beautiful Australian bush during those early times that made it come to life.
I didn’t realize until the end that it was the first book in a trilogy, and although it could be read as a stand alone, I find I’m quite looking forward now to reading book two…
I’m eager to find out where the next chapter leads.
4⭐️s
August 13, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Australia and Alison Stuart for my copy of: The Postmistress.
1871 Australia, Adelaide Greaves is an English widow she and her young son Danny live in the small mining town of Maiden's Creek in Victoria and she works as a postmistress. It’s not easy for a single woman with a young son to live in a rough mining town in the gold fields and Adelaide has her best friend Netty for support.
Battle weary ex confederate soldier Caleb Hunt, arrives in town in search of gold and he’s trying to escape his past. There’s a terrible accident, a man is injured at the local mine and they desperately need a sober doctor. Caleb is a qualified doctor, he doesn’t want to work as one as he’s seen enough death and dying during the American Civil War to last him a life time and he does the right thing and takes care of the wounded miner.
Adelaide and Caleb both have pasts, secrets and Australia is the perfect place to live or hide and start again. Caleb and Adelaide are very attacked to each other, just when the both feel like they can move forward, start a romantic relationship and Richard Barnwell arrives in town.
Adelaide has to tell Caleb the truth about Richard, it affects her son Danny and Richard Barnwell is a very nasty man. When Danny goes missing, Adelaide and Caleb need to find him and it’s during a dangerous bush fire. Alison Stuart explains exactly what it’s like to be caught up in an Australian bush fire; they spread very quickly, strong winds make them very unpredictable, with out any warning they can change direction and the smoke from the fire extremely dangerous.
I enjoyed reading The Postmistress, my only regret is I didn’t read it first and then read The Goldminer’s Sister but I still really enjoyed the book and gave it four stars from me.
1871 Australia, Adelaide Greaves is an English widow she and her young son Danny live in the small mining town of Maiden's Creek in Victoria and she works as a postmistress. It’s not easy for a single woman with a young son to live in a rough mining town in the gold fields and Adelaide has her best friend Netty for support.
Battle weary ex confederate soldier Caleb Hunt, arrives in town in search of gold and he’s trying to escape his past. There’s a terrible accident, a man is injured at the local mine and they desperately need a sober doctor. Caleb is a qualified doctor, he doesn’t want to work as one as he’s seen enough death and dying during the American Civil War to last him a life time and he does the right thing and takes care of the wounded miner.
Adelaide and Caleb both have pasts, secrets and Australia is the perfect place to live or hide and start again. Caleb and Adelaide are very attacked to each other, just when the both feel like they can move forward, start a romantic relationship and Richard Barnwell arrives in town.
Adelaide has to tell Caleb the truth about Richard, it affects her son Danny and Richard Barnwell is a very nasty man. When Danny goes missing, Adelaide and Caleb need to find him and it’s during a dangerous bush fire. Alison Stuart explains exactly what it’s like to be caught up in an Australian bush fire; they spread very quickly, strong winds make them very unpredictable, with out any warning they can change direction and the smoke from the fire extremely dangerous.
I enjoyed reading The Postmistress, my only regret is I didn’t read it first and then read The Goldminer’s Sister but I still really enjoyed the book and gave it four stars from me.
January 2, 2026
I think I really enjoyed this story, yet I was also disappointed. There’s singing for a start and whilst sometimes it works really well, and it sort of fit the story, I’m really not a fan, I’d rather hear “and he sang xx” then move on if it’s not actually in keeping with the story, ie the book has no musical roots, which this doesn’t.
Obviously I now only review audiobooks and I’m always banging the drum for more so I can only really pass comment on what I’ve listened to, however I firmly believe this title would’ve come over far better in text format. There was something I just couldn’t gel with, I while I don’t actually think it was the narrators fault it just didn’t keep me in the way I had expected to be invested.
I believe the story is solid, the writing very good and I can’t really find any actual fault there, I was just a bit disappointed. I’d still recommend it I just don’t think it was a fit for me. I usually love a good historical fiction but I found myself a bit bored.
The narration was nice, the singing not for me.
Many thanks to Belinda audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
Obviously I now only review audiobooks and I’m always banging the drum for more so I can only really pass comment on what I’ve listened to, however I firmly believe this title would’ve come over far better in text format. There was something I just couldn’t gel with, I while I don’t actually think it was the narrators fault it just didn’t keep me in the way I had expected to be invested.
I believe the story is solid, the writing very good and I can’t really find any actual fault there, I was just a bit disappointed. I’d still recommend it I just don’t think it was a fit for me. I usually love a good historical fiction but I found myself a bit bored.
The narration was nice, the singing not for me.
Many thanks to Belinda audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
June 22, 2019
This week I mark off another square on my Bingo sheet. I’ve picked Historical for this fortnight’s square and chose new release novel The Postmistress by Alison Stuart for this square.
A historical fiction novel set in the harsh Australian outback and gold mining town in 1871.
In a small struggling mining town we meet Adelaide 10 years on from the Prologue where she is making a life for herself and her son. For me, Adelaide came across as older than she was, this would be because she’d had to eke out a living for her and her son and her friend Betty, who I loved. She portrayed herself as a widow so as to be socially acceptable for the times, a single, unwed mother would not be at all respectable.
I loved the character of Caleb, an American who comes to town to look at a mining claim. Caleb has some traumatic history he is running from and secrets, just like Adelaide.
I enjoyed the relationship between Adelaide and Caleb, and Adelaide’s son Danny. Caleb’s arrival is the catalyst for much change in the small town.
We have a completely unlikeable character enter the picture at one point and I seriously questioned Adelaide’s judgement with her decision making. But in those times, women would’ve felt they had less choices than they do now.
The small town characters and problems were depicted so well, I could see them all clearly in my head. I really enjoy this novel, which at its heart was a love story, with hardships and suspense thrown in to the mix.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a digital copy in return for an honest review.
A historical fiction novel set in the harsh Australian outback and gold mining town in 1871.
In a small struggling mining town we meet Adelaide 10 years on from the Prologue where she is making a life for herself and her son. For me, Adelaide came across as older than she was, this would be because she’d had to eke out a living for her and her son and her friend Betty, who I loved. She portrayed herself as a widow so as to be socially acceptable for the times, a single, unwed mother would not be at all respectable.
I loved the character of Caleb, an American who comes to town to look at a mining claim. Caleb has some traumatic history he is running from and secrets, just like Adelaide.
I enjoyed the relationship between Adelaide and Caleb, and Adelaide’s son Danny. Caleb’s arrival is the catalyst for much change in the small town.
We have a completely unlikeable character enter the picture at one point and I seriously questioned Adelaide’s judgement with her decision making. But in those times, women would’ve felt they had less choices than they do now.
The small town characters and problems were depicted so well, I could see them all clearly in my head. I really enjoy this novel, which at its heart was a love story, with hardships and suspense thrown in to the mix.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a digital copy in return for an honest review.
August 2, 2019
The Postmistress is a historical story set in the beautiful Australian bush in the small gold mining settlement of Maiden’s Creek in Victoria.
The tale is a little slow to begin but once it does, it's unputdownable, it’s the story of two people trying to escape their pasts. It’s 1871 and Adelaide Greaves and her young son Danny have made their home in Maiden’s Creek where Adelaide is Postmistress of the town. Caleb Hunt, an American ex-soldier arrives on the scene after winning a mining claim in a game of two-up.
The past is catching up with both Adelaide and Caleb and as the story unfolds we also learn of the hardships in this era and the everyday threats of bushfire, poisonous snakes and spiders, difficulties of transport in and out of the town and lack of hospital and medical care along with the extremes of temperature.
Maiden’s Creek is a fictional town, it was inspired to the author by a real life town named Walhalla. This is a beautifully written and throughly enjoyable novel that I recommend you read.
The tale is a little slow to begin but once it does, it's unputdownable, it’s the story of two people trying to escape their pasts. It’s 1871 and Adelaide Greaves and her young son Danny have made their home in Maiden’s Creek where Adelaide is Postmistress of the town. Caleb Hunt, an American ex-soldier arrives on the scene after winning a mining claim in a game of two-up.
The past is catching up with both Adelaide and Caleb and as the story unfolds we also learn of the hardships in this era and the everyday threats of bushfire, poisonous snakes and spiders, difficulties of transport in and out of the town and lack of hospital and medical care along with the extremes of temperature.
Maiden’s Creek is a fictional town, it was inspired to the author by a real life town named Walhalla. This is a beautifully written and throughly enjoyable novel that I recommend you read.
October 21, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and stayed up late to finish it. The characters are well-drawn and the story engrossing. Alison Stuart's historical research is solid and fascinating, deftly woven through the story to vividly recreate the Victorian goldfields and the landscape. I'm looking forward to the next book!
June 17, 2019
‘There will be other men, better prospects.’
December 1861, Liverpool in England. Adelaide Lewis is breakfasting with her father, Sir Daniel, as he goes through his morning post. And then Sir Daniel advises the calamitous news that the ship Evangeline has not made port in Savannah. The man Adelaide was hoping to marry was on that ship. Adelaide is distraught. Her father, Sir Daniel, tells her that marriage is not about love:
‘I have other plans for you, my girl. You’re not settling for any third sons when you could be a countess.’
Adelaide is seventeen and pregnant. She flees her home in Liverpool, England with her trusted servant Netty.
December 1871, Australia. Adelaide Greaves and her son Danny have made their home in the Victorian goldmining town of Maiden’s Creek. Adelaide is the postmistress: treated as an outsider by many but accepted by most as a widow doing her best.
Caleb Hunt, a Confederate soldier with a past of his own, ends up in Maiden’s Creek. An injury forces him to stay for a while.
Within this setting, Ms Stuart brings life on the Victorian goldfields to life. Mining is a hazardous occupation; the Australian bush holds its own dangers and diseases such as smallpox take their toll. There are several interesting secondary characters as well, including Sissy and Nell from Lil’s Place. But Adelaide’s world is turned upside down when aspects of the past emerge from the shadows. If I write any more about the story itself, I may well ruin it for a first-time reader.
I enjoyed this story, especially the way in which Ms Stuart depicted the (fictitious) town of Maiden’s Creek and its people. There’s plenty of drama including a couple of twists that I didn’t see coming as well as an ending that held my attention.
If you enjoy historical fiction with elements of danger, romance and tragedy, with a determined woman as the central character, then you may enjoy this as much as I did.
Recommended.
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
December 1861, Liverpool in England. Adelaide Lewis is breakfasting with her father, Sir Daniel, as he goes through his morning post. And then Sir Daniel advises the calamitous news that the ship Evangeline has not made port in Savannah. The man Adelaide was hoping to marry was on that ship. Adelaide is distraught. Her father, Sir Daniel, tells her that marriage is not about love:
‘I have other plans for you, my girl. You’re not settling for any third sons when you could be a countess.’
Adelaide is seventeen and pregnant. She flees her home in Liverpool, England with her trusted servant Netty.
December 1871, Australia. Adelaide Greaves and her son Danny have made their home in the Victorian goldmining town of Maiden’s Creek. Adelaide is the postmistress: treated as an outsider by many but accepted by most as a widow doing her best.
Caleb Hunt, a Confederate soldier with a past of his own, ends up in Maiden’s Creek. An injury forces him to stay for a while.
Within this setting, Ms Stuart brings life on the Victorian goldfields to life. Mining is a hazardous occupation; the Australian bush holds its own dangers and diseases such as smallpox take their toll. There are several interesting secondary characters as well, including Sissy and Nell from Lil’s Place. But Adelaide’s world is turned upside down when aspects of the past emerge from the shadows. If I write any more about the story itself, I may well ruin it for a first-time reader.
I enjoyed this story, especially the way in which Ms Stuart depicted the (fictitious) town of Maiden’s Creek and its people. There’s plenty of drama including a couple of twists that I didn’t see coming as well as an ending that held my attention.
If you enjoy historical fiction with elements of danger, romance and tragedy, with a determined woman as the central character, then you may enjoy this as much as I did.
Recommended.
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
July 28, 2019
Alison Stuart weaves an evocative story set in 1871 following the lives of two people trying to escape their past a small gold-mining community in the wilds of the Australian bush. She writes with great attention to historic detail, bringing it to life with the warmth of home baked bread, the texture of clothing and furnishing and the sounds of gold mining machinery punctuating the story.
Adelaide and Caleb are characters you want to care about, to cheer on and to share their ups and downs. They must both confront their own inner demons and resolve their secrets. But what I really enjoyed were the other minor characters of the town: the young son, drunken doctor, common-sense maid, the rascal coachman, the madam 'Lil", the bank manager's wife were all written with empathy and depth. I feel like I could visit the town and meet them!
There are many great scenes within this story, but the one I liked most was the encounter with the lyrebird. It is written with great sensitivity and observation. Her main protagonist, Adelaide, is sympathetic to the untouched beauty of the bush and acknowledges the damage that gold-mining brings to an area, stripping back vegetation and the raw earth and run-off. Clear and vivid descriptions bring the bush to life with its majestic beauty and birdsong but also acknowledging its harsh and wild nature.
With such a gorgeous setting, believable characters and a plot that kept ramping up tension and dilemmas, I really didn't want this story to end. There are many cups of tea drank by characters and as a reader, you could join them metaphorically! So it was with great disappointment that I finally finished the book, the sounds of the bush and the town still ringing in my ears and the scent of smoke wafting away. Such is a great book that takes you completely into its world. I'm pleased to know that a second book will be on offering soon and I can't wait to read it!
Adelaide and Caleb are characters you want to care about, to cheer on and to share their ups and downs. They must both confront their own inner demons and resolve their secrets. But what I really enjoyed were the other minor characters of the town: the young son, drunken doctor, common-sense maid, the rascal coachman, the madam 'Lil", the bank manager's wife were all written with empathy and depth. I feel like I could visit the town and meet them!
There are many great scenes within this story, but the one I liked most was the encounter with the lyrebird. It is written with great sensitivity and observation. Her main protagonist, Adelaide, is sympathetic to the untouched beauty of the bush and acknowledges the damage that gold-mining brings to an area, stripping back vegetation and the raw earth and run-off. Clear and vivid descriptions bring the bush to life with its majestic beauty and birdsong but also acknowledging its harsh and wild nature.
With such a gorgeous setting, believable characters and a plot that kept ramping up tension and dilemmas, I really didn't want this story to end. There are many cups of tea drank by characters and as a reader, you could join them metaphorically! So it was with great disappointment that I finally finished the book, the sounds of the bush and the town still ringing in my ears and the scent of smoke wafting away. Such is a great book that takes you completely into its world. I'm pleased to know that a second book will be on offering soon and I can't wait to read it!
July 11, 2019
Stunning
It’s past 1am and I have just finished reading this fabulous book. My eyes hurt, I’m so tired, but I have the biggest smile on my face. Everyone in this book had secrets that were teased out in such believable ways. Adelaide’s courage was so endearing. Caleb’s demons were very believable. The characters felt real to me. I’m going to miss them.
It’s past 1am and I have just finished reading this fabulous book. My eyes hurt, I’m so tired, but I have the biggest smile on my face. Everyone in this book had secrets that were teased out in such believable ways. Adelaide’s courage was so endearing. Caleb’s demons were very believable. The characters felt real to me. I’m going to miss them.
August 7, 2021
*3 Stars*
Copy kindly received by Harper Collins/Harlequin Australia for an honest review.
This was an interesting enough book, although for the most part it seemed pretty cruisey to me. There was a bit of mystery as to both Caleb and Adelaides past, but until maybe the last 1/4 of the book, nothing really crazy or big happened.
The writing style of the author is great and the detail and research that must have been done to get things correct and so believable would've been extensive, I just think the storyline itself kind of just rolled along easily for the most part. Not to say its a bad book, because its not. It was just a nice cruisey read for me this week, and I took my time with it.
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Copy kindly received by Harper Collins/Harlequin Australia for an honest review.
This was an interesting enough book, although for the most part it seemed pretty cruisey to me. There was a bit of mystery as to both Caleb and Adelaides past, but until maybe the last 1/4 of the book, nothing really crazy or big happened.
The writing style of the author is great and the detail and research that must have been done to get things correct and so believable would've been extensive, I just think the storyline itself kind of just rolled along easily for the most part. Not to say its a bad book, because its not. It was just a nice cruisey read for me this week, and I took my time with it.
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January 19, 2020
Thank you Alison Stuart for The Postmistress, a great story! I have to admit that I haven't often read historical novels going back as far as this one. Generally I go back as far as the early 1900s. But, now I have discovered that I want to read more historical novels. Luck is, I know there are plenty of them around! I recommend this book and do I understand there will be a second Maiden's Creek story?
June 26, 2019
Having read this author before I know how un-put-downable her books can be. I've found myself still reading at 4am before! So I kept this for a long international flight, thinking I'd read a bit, eat a bit and watch a movie or two. Nope. I just read the book, cover to cover. Didn't put it down even to eat. I read it as an e-book which means I tend to lose track of how much more story there is to go so I found the rollercoaster was fantastic .. just as I thought it was all coming to an end something BIG happened to make life difficult and off the story raced again. Wonderful. I also loved that the author has done her research. I felt like I had actually been there. I hate historical books that have wrong info or are like dress ups .. the characters all behave as if they're modern day. This book is my idea of a great read that didn't have me shouting at the wrong history or characterisation. Big ticks from me.
April 13, 2021
GREAT STORY
VERY EMOTIONAL AND INSPIRING. IT SHOWS THE IMPORTANCE OF FORGIVENESS AND HOW HARD IT IS TO FORGIVE AND ACCEPT FORGIVENESS IN RETURN.
VERY EMOTIONAL AND INSPIRING. IT SHOWS THE IMPORTANCE OF FORGIVENESS AND HOW HARD IT IS TO FORGIVE AND ACCEPT FORGIVENESS IN RETURN.
March 13, 2022
A bit more romance than I like, but it was good and well researched so it gets all the stars.
August 30, 2019
Just loved the whole story, love stories set in the 1800’s and it mentioned Creswick where I grew up. I’m now keen to read the other books Alison Stuart has written. At the same time I was watching on Netflix ‘When calls the heart’ similar storyline set in the 1800’s ( Drawn to that era ) so I had to seperate the characters as I read the book.
September 23, 2019
A devastating incident leaves Adelaide, the daughter of a wealthy Englishman, with a bit of a consequence. Rather than face her stern father’s wrath, Adelaide flees England and books passage to Australia where she eventually ends up the postmistress of Maiden’s Creek, a small mining town east of Melbourne. There she raises her young son Danny along with her former maid, who assists her in all manner of work. Adelaide doesn’t fit the role of refined woman of the upper class – she is kind to everyone and will often assist the less than fortunate in learning to read and write. She enjoys her role, she enjoys the small town, feeling at peace on the other side of the world.
Caleb Hunt is an American who ended up in Australia by chance. With scars of his own from the US Civil War, Caleb has left a lot of his former life behind, vowing never again to ply his craft. By chance he wins a claim of land in a gamble and decides it’s as good an option as any, deciding to try his luck. After he’s betrayed, he’s forced to reassess, not able to start work on his claim just yet. In Maiden’s Creek his quick thinking act to save someone’s life leaves him injured and he finds himself being cared for by Adelaide, who believes she owes him a debt.
I read quite a bit of historical fiction but surprisingly, I actually don’t read a lot of Australian historical fiction. This makes me wonder why because this book was fantastic and I enjoyed it from the first page to the last. It opens in England, with Adelaide as a young woman having breakfast with her father where he tells her he’s annoyed one of his ships has been lost. Adelaide isn’t annoyed though – what she’s experiencing is much more powerful than that. Then it skips forward to her in Australia, the postmistress of a small town close to a gold mining area. Adelaide is a very strong woman, a devoted mother to her son and the kind of person who treats everyone the same, from the wives of bank managers to the ‘dancers’ in a local establishment. She’s built herself an impeccable reputation in the small town, well aware that the one lie she’s told could bring it all crashing down.
Caleb has no one left. He’s as far away from ‘home’ as he can possibly get. When accident and design strand him in Maiden’s Creek, he and Adelaide get off to somewhat of a rocky start with Caleb reluctant to play patient. He really just wants to get out to his claim as quickly as possible and assess what he can do there. However he’s not in any condition to be able to do that, which gives them the perfect excuse to get to know each other.
This was a really well paced story with wonderful characters and a setting that really highlighted how isolated parts of Australia are and how arduous travelling around it was. The part of country that Maiden’s Creek is in has both mountains and is also heavily forested which makes it a very challenging trek by horse and cart. Caleb’s reaction to staring over the edge of a cliff is great. There’s a lot of what I feel would be 19th century Australian issues addressed here, such as working at the local mine and the dangers and troubles that can bring, especially in the face of a manager who cuts corners in safety for production, effective medical treatment and policing in isolated areas, the weather, the wildlife and dangers like bushfires. A lot of these are still relevant today but with more technology to combat them.
The tension in the novel built nicely alongside the burgeoning attraction between Caleb and Adelaide, with the author doing a great job placing the characters in peril in a really believable way. The story had some interesting twists and turns, some of which I saw coming and some that I didn’t, so that kept me guessing and turning the pages. I really enjoyed the way the minor characters were included to – the romance between Netty and her beau, the ‘dancers’, the doctor with his troubles, the man who offers Adelaide medicines. It’s a nice little community, although not without its issues.
Very enjoyable.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
Caleb Hunt is an American who ended up in Australia by chance. With scars of his own from the US Civil War, Caleb has left a lot of his former life behind, vowing never again to ply his craft. By chance he wins a claim of land in a gamble and decides it’s as good an option as any, deciding to try his luck. After he’s betrayed, he’s forced to reassess, not able to start work on his claim just yet. In Maiden’s Creek his quick thinking act to save someone’s life leaves him injured and he finds himself being cared for by Adelaide, who believes she owes him a debt.
I read quite a bit of historical fiction but surprisingly, I actually don’t read a lot of Australian historical fiction. This makes me wonder why because this book was fantastic and I enjoyed it from the first page to the last. It opens in England, with Adelaide as a young woman having breakfast with her father where he tells her he’s annoyed one of his ships has been lost. Adelaide isn’t annoyed though – what she’s experiencing is much more powerful than that. Then it skips forward to her in Australia, the postmistress of a small town close to a gold mining area. Adelaide is a very strong woman, a devoted mother to her son and the kind of person who treats everyone the same, from the wives of bank managers to the ‘dancers’ in a local establishment. She’s built herself an impeccable reputation in the small town, well aware that the one lie she’s told could bring it all crashing down.
Caleb has no one left. He’s as far away from ‘home’ as he can possibly get. When accident and design strand him in Maiden’s Creek, he and Adelaide get off to somewhat of a rocky start with Caleb reluctant to play patient. He really just wants to get out to his claim as quickly as possible and assess what he can do there. However he’s not in any condition to be able to do that, which gives them the perfect excuse to get to know each other.
This was a really well paced story with wonderful characters and a setting that really highlighted how isolated parts of Australia are and how arduous travelling around it was. The part of country that Maiden’s Creek is in has both mountains and is also heavily forested which makes it a very challenging trek by horse and cart. Caleb’s reaction to staring over the edge of a cliff is great. There’s a lot of what I feel would be 19th century Australian issues addressed here, such as working at the local mine and the dangers and troubles that can bring, especially in the face of a manager who cuts corners in safety for production, effective medical treatment and policing in isolated areas, the weather, the wildlife and dangers like bushfires. A lot of these are still relevant today but with more technology to combat them.
The tension in the novel built nicely alongside the burgeoning attraction between Caleb and Adelaide, with the author doing a great job placing the characters in peril in a really believable way. The story had some interesting twists and turns, some of which I saw coming and some that I didn’t, so that kept me guessing and turning the pages. I really enjoyed the way the minor characters were included to – the romance between Netty and her beau, the ‘dancers’, the doctor with his troubles, the man who offers Adelaide medicines. It’s a nice little community, although not without its issues.
Very enjoyable.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
March 25, 2022
My reading group has monthly challenges and this year they are doing featured Aussie Author challenges. After only three months into the year, I feel quite embarrassed to say that the author for both January (Michael Robotham) and March (Alison Stuart) were totally unknown to me....but no longer. Both have become new favourites and I have added both of their back catalogues to my reading list.
This book was set in country Victoria in 1870s and was a well-researched historical fiction book covering the gold rush, small pox, bush fires, Australian landscape and wildlife and was a very entertaining and quick read. I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but I do confess that the second part became a little over the top and dramatic and with the it lost a little authenticity.
Overall a delightful read and I eagerly look forward to reading more from the author.
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2022 March "Alison Stuart" Challenge: Read a book by Alison Stuart
This book was set in country Victoria in 1870s and was a well-researched historical fiction book covering the gold rush, small pox, bush fires, Australian landscape and wildlife and was a very entertaining and quick read. I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but I do confess that the second part became a little over the top and dramatic and with the it lost a little authenticity.
Overall a delightful read and I eagerly look forward to reading more from the author.
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2022 March "Alison Stuart" Challenge: Read a book by Alison Stuart
June 3, 2019
An un-ashamed romance set in the Australian bush. Thanks to publishers for ARC.
June 28, 2019
Set in the gorgeous south east Australian high country near Walhalla, this story brings a different angle to life on the Australian goldfields. For one thing, the setting is a small rural community rather than the larger goldfields of Bendigo and Ballarat, and for another the heroes of this story are very different to any I have read about so far.
The story takes place during the late nineteenth century Australian gold rush and stars Adelaide Greaves, ostensibly a widow, her nine year-old son Danny, and jaded American Caleb Hunt, who has fled the States after suffering through years in a prisoner of war camp and other unspeakable hardships.
I admired Adelaide from the first. Here is a strong woman who has dealt with the adversity of finding herself pregnant and along and made a good life for herself and her son. Caleb is truly a tortured soul but under the jaded exterior beats a heart of gold and a strong sense of doing the right thing no matter how hard it might be. These two melded together so well, healing each other as their story unfolded. I had my heart in my mouth at times as they faced one challenge after another.
The Postmistress is beautifully crafted, beautifully paced and well thought out. The story can’t help but hold you from the first page. I absolutely loved it!
The story takes place during the late nineteenth century Australian gold rush and stars Adelaide Greaves, ostensibly a widow, her nine year-old son Danny, and jaded American Caleb Hunt, who has fled the States after suffering through years in a prisoner of war camp and other unspeakable hardships.
I admired Adelaide from the first. Here is a strong woman who has dealt with the adversity of finding herself pregnant and along and made a good life for herself and her son. Caleb is truly a tortured soul but under the jaded exterior beats a heart of gold and a strong sense of doing the right thing no matter how hard it might be. These two melded together so well, healing each other as their story unfolded. I had my heart in my mouth at times as they faced one challenge after another.
The Postmistress is beautifully crafted, beautifully paced and well thought out. The story can’t help but hold you from the first page. I absolutely loved it!
October 1, 2019
The first chapter hooked me, I was totally involved with the problems of the main character in England. The next chapter introduced us to a man with violent interactions. Somehow the story then bounced to Australia and it was there that I lost it amongst pages of dialogue. I wanted to get back to our heroine but the story seemed to have fast forwarded into the future. Based on readers excellent reviews I might give this novel another go at a later date but at the moment I am disappointed with it.
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