Where The Murray River Runs

by Darry Fraser

A nineteenth–century story of greed, honour and an overwhelming love

Bendigo 1890

Ard O'Rourke is Linley Seymour's perfect man. They've known each other since they were children and she has never wanted anyone else. But when she discovers Ard has fathered a child with another woman, her dreams turn to dust.

Then fate takes a hand. Linley and her Aunt Cee Cee run a women's refuge and Linley finds herself unexpectedly and painfully the guardian of Ard's a child that needs her protection from the greed–filled schemes of a violent man.

Ard knows he has no hope with Linley and decides to follow his own one that brings him close to redemption. But when he learns Linley and the child are in danger, his own child at that, he cannot stop himself speeding to their aid.

Will he prevail? Can Linley find it in her heart to forgive him? Or will their love come to nothing at the hands of a violent man?

A compulsively readable historical adventure, set on the banks of the mighty Murray River.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Historical Romance

400 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2017

About the author

Best-selling Australian author, Darry Fraser, has a passion for writing empowering, feminist-driven narratives.
She brings to life the courage, resilience, and spirit of women in her gripping stories and masterfully weaves fictional tales around the rich backdrop of Australian history.
Whether you're familiar with her work or discovering it for the first time, get ready to be captivated by her vivid characters and the rich landscapes of a past era, where adventure and empowerment intertwine.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is another historical romance by Australian author Darry Fraser set in 1890s Victoria along the banks of the mighty Murray River.

Linley Seymour lives with her feisty, independent Aunt CeCe who runs a women’s refuge with the support of her long term lover James. Linley has loved Ard O’Rourke for as long as she can remember and is both heart-broken and furious when she finds herself the guardian of a baby Ard has fathered with local woman Mary. After Mary dies she leaves her baby Toby for Linley to raise and her violent husband Gareth is soon pursuing Linley for an inheritance he believes should come to him from Mary.

Although this is obviously a fraught situation, I did not feel any real chemistry between Ard and Linley, and I could not really connect with either of them. I found my empathy soon evaporated and I found Linley petulant and irritating and Ard seemed to fluctuate between feeling sorry about his actions and making excuses for himself.

I found this a disappointing story as it had the potential to be really good. I love this era, and I liked the physical setting. There were important themes including domestic violence and women’s rights, strong female characters and supportive males. Somehow it just did not all gel. There was a very detailed sex scene early on when we hadn’t even met the male character at that point, which seemed out of place. One of the “goodies” had a history of going around bumping off the men who had been violent towards their partners, which seemed to be almost brushed off and I found difficult to swallow. I didn’t really even like Linley as she seemed to range from naïve and judgemental in some areas to well-informed in others and passionately involved in helping women who had experienced domestic violence. Overall the story was a great idea but the execution was flawed and awkward.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a must for me after recently having a family holiday in Echuca and Bendigo after it being on my bucket list for many many years. I was looking forward to this book to be transported back there, and yes, the setting is beautiful and atmospheric and I could see it in my minds’ eye but unfortunately the story didn’t captivate me as I had hoped. I enjoyed the storyline but had to push through the dialogue lots of times and felt I didn’t connect with any of the characters. On the blurb it talks about the overwhelming love between Ard and Linley – my heart didn’t skip any beats and I failed to get swept away in their story but I still was interested enough to see how it all came out in the end. If you like historical Australian novels this is a nice read.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those stories that once you pick it up you will not want to put it down, it is so good, MS Fraser has transported me back to 1890 Australia around the great Murray River and life as it was back then. She has taken on an issue that still today is happening although much better than back in the nineteen century and nailed it done it so well, I loved the setting the characters the story.

Ard O’Rourke is a strong man a worker, a family man times are tough and the woman he has grown up with is who he wants but he needs to be able to provide for her first and with no work around he leaves Bendigo but not before he makes a mistake that will come back to cause problems in a few months’ time but he never forgets the beautiful strong redhead Linley Seymour.

Linley has been brought up by her aunt Cee Cee and they work saving woman from dangerous situations with the help of Cee Cee’s close friend James, so when a friend of Linley’s Mary asks for help from her cruel husband and asks that Linley be her baby’s guardian and this baby is the son of Ard the only man that Linley wants, this brings danger to Linley and Cee Cee, but these woman are strong, they are survivers.

I loved this story it is beautiful, caring and emotional, what these people went through with such a vile wicked man for greed was painful at times but my god the strength that these woman especially showed had me cheering them on and the men that do help in a world that was slowly changing I loved them real hero material. As for Linley can she ever forgive Ard for the mistake he made and forge together a future with baby Toby and still caring for the women that needed so much help. I highly recommend this story thank you MS Fraser for one that will be on the keeper shelf and stay with me for a long time.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series about Paddlesteamers on The Murray River and look forward to the next one.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Darry Fraser that I have read and I really enjoyed it. Set in 1890 it is a fine example of Australian historical fiction. Covering several facets- poverty, suffragettes, domestic violence, orphans, lost love & romance, with locations in Victoria's goldfields and Echuca. Linley lives with her aunt who has looked after her since she was a baby, and also provides safe houses for women who are victims of violence - much to the dispproval of others, who think she is in a disreputable sort of business. Linley has always loved Ard O'Rourke, but discovers he has fathered a child who is now in her care as its mother has passed away.

This book is a sweeping saga and I could almost picture the locations depicted as I recently went to Echuca. Highly recommended for lovers of Australian historical fiction. Thank you to Harlequin Mira and Beauty and Lace for a copy of this book for review.

[Karly Newitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved and enjoyed this one! The storyline was great I think I can relate to it somewhat as it relates to my profession, the characters seemed more wholesome and had more depth compared to others I've recently read.This is the best one yet, there wasnt anything I didnt like about this book. I also loved that it connected to two of her other books The Widow of Ballarat and Daughter of the Murray with some of the characters and wished that all the books in this series did so - reminds me of Anne Vivis novels a little. I would love to read a prequel about CeeCee and her work, I think would be amazing and could have the potential to be great if it stuck to being about the work they do. I recommend this book and is my favourite so far.

[Nats Garden Of Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an enjoyable read and should be read first before The Brave Women Of Renmark

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book blurb...
A nineteenth-century story of greed, honour and an overwhelming love
Bendigo 1890
Ard O’Rourke is Linley Seymour’s perfect man. They’ve known each other since they were children and she has never wanted anyone else. But when she discovers Ard has fathered a child with another woman, her dreams turn to dust.
Then fate takes a hand. Linley and her Aunt Cee Cee run a women’s refuge and Linley finds herself unexpectedly and painfully the guardian of Ard’s baby: a child that needs her protection from the greed-filled schemes of a violent man.
Ard knows he has no hope with Linley and decides to follow his own path: one that brings him close to redemption. But when he learns Linley and the child are in danger, his own child at that, he cannot stop himself speeding to their aid.
Will he prevail? Can Linley find it in her heart to forgive him? Or will their love come to nothing at the hands of a violent man?
A compulsively readable historical adventure, set on the banks of the mighty Murray River.
My thoughts…
Once again with Darry Fraser, I was transported back in time and to life on the Murray River in the late 1800s. Having recently traced The Mighty Murray River all the way from South Australia, and spent time in Echuca, I was strolling the streets and the steamer decks as the story progressed.
The author has created characters that you cannot help but love. Ard is a great character, regardless of his indiscretion with Linley’s friend. I longed for him to win over Linley’s heart.
This book also made me think. It tackles the subject of domestic violence in the 1890’s — an issue I had only thought about as a modern-day scourge. I did find myself hoping for a particular character to get what he deserved. Darry, your creation of this character (you know who he is) was brilliant, I could just about smell his presence when as I turned the pages.
I also fell in love with James.
What else can I say? I was actually on each page with all of these characters and I love a book that gets under my skin. Thank you.
I am sad to leave Where the Murray River Runs.

This review is also published on http://www.readroundoz.wordpress.com

[Julie Dickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary
Where the Murray River Runs by Darry Fraser is a historical novel set in rural Australia in the 1890s.
Linley Seymour and Ard O'Rourke have been best friends since they were children, and have developed strong feelings for each other. Linley is disappointed when Ard moves away to make something of himself, even though he promises her he'll be back. He makes a mistake which Linley may never forgive him for.
Linley and her Aunt CeeCee provide refuge for women who are victims of domestic violence. When a local woman dies, she assigns Linley to be the guardian of her baby. With a vicious man after the child, Linley must protect him at all costs.
Ard is trying to get a steady job in order to start a business that will support his family in the long run. He's also chasing after Linley and trying to earn her forgiveness.
Told in alternating third person point of view, the novel is a tale of strength, revenge and love set on the banks of the Murray River.

Review
It was an interesting read, but sometimes the story got bogged down in the descriptions.
It was nice to read about Australian small towns, and it was interesting reading about how different small towns in the historical period were compared to towns today. The descriptions were vivid and I could easily picture the historical period.
Each character was strongly characterised. I loved the strong women characters, especially Linley and CeeCee. They hard firm beliefs and they stuck with them.
I could sympathise with both Linley and Ard, but I wish I could have seen more interactions between them.
The climax was gripping, and I like how the story ended.
I recommend this book for anyone who's 15 years and older, and wants to read an Australian historical novel.

[Kerri Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the premise of the story and the Victorian setting of Bendigo and Echuca but the novel just wasn’t as engaging as I’d hoped.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Beauty and Lace book club and Harlequin books for the opportunity to read and review Where the Murray River Runs by Darry Fraser.

Australian historical romance is a genre that I have only become aware of in the last 2 years, through Beauty and Lace book club, and their introducing me to a number of wonderful Australian women authors. Darry Fraser now joins the group of new authors that I have been exposed to and thoroughly enjoy.

The book is set in the 1890’s in Bendigo and Echuca with the main characters being Linley Seymour, and her perfect soulmate Ard O’Rouke. Linley and Ard have known each other since childhood and Linley has always assumed and hoped they would end up together. Ard wants to be with Linley too, but not until he has made something of himself and can support a wife, and so he makes the decision to go to Renmark to where his parents live to try to make some money.

Linley is shattered by his decision, and even more shattered when a local girl Mary dies, leaving her guardian to her new born babe, fathered by Ard O’Rouke.

Linley is furious with Ard, although she is not sure if he knows about the babe. However, she is determined to honour her commitment to Mary to protect the baby, particularly from Gareth Wilkin, the man who married Mary despite her being pregnant in order to get his hands on her inheritance.

Gareth has assumed that, as her husband, Mary’s property automatically became his property, but times are a changing, the suffragette movement is gaining ground, women in Adelaide have been given the right to vote, and property laws have changed. Prior to her death Mary made a will, giving guardianship of the babe to come to Linley and leaving her money in trust for the baby’s support.

Gareth is furious, and as a man given to violence, prepared to take any steps to regain the child and and the inheritance that in his twisted mind he sees as his.

Meanwhile Linley becomes involved in the work of her aunt CeeCee and her aunt’s partner James Anderson, providing support to women and children who have been victims of domestic violence and helping them to restart their lives. While at the same time dealing with her emotions about raising Ard’s child to another woman.

With Linley and the baby in danger, Ard races to protect them, and as all the characters congregate in the river town of Echuca, the book races towards its violent and murderous climax.

Although it took me a little while to get into the book (surprisingly one of the difficulties I had was that with my poor eyesight I kept reading Ard as And which I found very confusing!), once I did I was enthralled and couldn’t put it down.

Fraser develops her characters well, I don’t think anyone could read this book and come aware with a shred of compassion for Gareth Wilkins, one of the most loathsome characters I have come across in a book. She also deals well with the changing mores of late Victorian society in Australia and the changing place of women.

This is the first book of this genre that I have read that has tackled the subject of domestic violence in the period so openly and the difficulties that women faced at a time when the courts were most likely to return battered women and children to the men who perpetrated the injuries.

I loved the fact that in amongst the reality of the violence, there were moments of almost comedy (the cauliflower in the pram being a highlight).

I would highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading more of Darry Fraser’s work.

[Melly Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ard O'Rourke and Linley Seymour were meant to be together. Or so Linley thought, until she found out he fathered a child with another woman.

Linley and her aunt CeeCee run a women's refuge, where they take in battered women and their children. But Linley unexpectedly finds herself the guardian of a child - Ard's child, whose mother died in childbirth.

However, Linley, CeeCee and the child are not safe - a man, hellbent on taking "his" child back leaves a trail of destruction as he searches for the women. So Ard sets out to right his wrongs, and keep them all safe.

Holy moly, this book was amazing! It took a bit for me to get into it, but once I did, I could barely put it down. It is a very true representation of Victoria in the 1890s, and as I read, I could truly see what the setting looked like, even what the characters looked like! I felt like I had been transported into the 1890s.

All of the characters are extremely well written. I don't have a sense of smell, and never have, yet I found myself able to smell what Gareth Wilkin smelled like. It was not pleasant! But the descriptive detail of each character allowed me to see, and smell, exactly what they were like. It really allowed me to build a connection with each of the characters.

Usually, when a book doesn't have what I call a complete ending, I get a bit frustrated. But this book finished exactly where it should have. Even though I was hanging out for a bit more (Did an unwell character fully recover? Are any new children brought into the world?), the ending still felt perfectly right. I love that we are left with a bit of wonder about what happened next.

I'm looking forward to reading more of Darry's books!

[Tahlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good.

Set in the Victorian rural towns of Bendigo and Echuca (which are both situated along the Murray River -hence the title of the book), Linley Seymour finds herself guardian to an old friend's son after her death in childbirth. Only thing is the father is Ard O'Rourke - Linley's long time friend and object of her affections.

Linley lives with her aunt, CeeCee who is a major badass woman. She devotes her life to taking in victims of domestic violence and the less fortunate after Linley's mother was killed by her husband.

"Just because she is married, does not mean she is merely a chattel to be used as her husband sees fit. Not as a slave in his bed, nor as a punching bag, nor to be discarded as he pleases. She has her own mind and should be allowed to exercise her right over it and her body."

CeeCee is also a major advocate for women's suffrage and rights - as in 1800s Victoria, women were not allowed to work and had to share their property (if any) once married.

I enjoyed this a lot! Loved reading a story set in a town that is inherently Australian filled with the joy and hardships that came with the people and the harsh landscape. (Maybe also some bias because i have visited these towns many times).

Read it if you love strong, powerful women and historical fiction.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5****

This is my first Darry Fraser book and I have Daughter of the Murray ready to start. This drew me in slowly, but once I got into the story I was hooked and stayed up well past my bedtime to finish. I loved the descriptive way Darry writes and could truly imagine myself in the places and time set out in the story. This novel explores the issue of domestic violence and the women who struggle to survive. The fact that it is just as relevant in today's society is heartbreaking. In the story it is a taboo subject, people don't want to know about it or acknowledge it happens. Aunt Cee Cee and James along with Linley do what they can to help women in trouble and to gather outside support from influential people. Times are hard in the 1890's and people do what they can to survive, Ard who loves Linley feels he needs to have more in order to be worthy of her, but before he leaves to make this happen he makes a mistake, one that Linley and her family will have to bear the heartache of in the future. Can they get past the mistake and make a future together? A suspense filled novel that I definitely recommend.


Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin (Australia), TEEN / MIRA for a copy to voluntarily and honestly review

[Robyn Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

1890: Australian Historical Fiction: Linley and Ard grew up together in Bendigo; Ard on a property with his family and Linley with her mother's sister Cee Cee, who runs a secret women's refuge with the help of the love of her life, James. James comes and goes between houses they use for women in dreadful circumstances that he and Cee Cee own in Echuca and Bendigo. Reading between the lines, James takes the law into his own hands when it comes to the men in these women's lives.
Linley loves Ard but is too young and nervous about showing her affections. When their friend Mary finds Ard in the perfect situation to seduce him, with the help of rum he obviously consents. When Mary finds she is pregnant she has to quickly find a husband as single mothers are looking down upon. She finds the worst kind of husband. Mary writes a letter to Linley to say that she is sure her husband will kill her and she wants Linley to be the guardian of her baby (and Ard's). Poor Ard doesn't know any of this. Linley and her aunty Cee Cee and the ladies from the refuge houses all pitch in to look after baby.
A well written book that I just could not put down. Loved it!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t realise until the end this is classified as a romance. I saw it as more than that and yes, there are love interests, but the novel takes on board some issues important to society and does it pretty well in terms of looking at how they impact individuals. The character development highlights how people are genuinely impacted by societal and personal difficulties and challenges. I read it because I like to support South Australian authors. Darry Fraser can write. She can really get you involved and I wanted a book which was both interesting and enjoyable. I have done my bit for stomach curdling and tough reads. This wasn’t lightweight but it presented emotional and difficult issues in a strong story which wasn’t froth. I know the areas she has set the story in. It was good to be there in the book. It was a bit soppy at the end but that in no way detracted from a decent story of human struggles.

[Vicki Basham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ard O’Rourke is Linley Seymour’s perfect man. They’ve known each other since they were children and she has never wanted anyone else. But when she discovers Ard has fathered a child with another woman, her dreams turn to dust.

Then fate takes a hand. Linley and her Aunt Cee Cee run a women’s refuge and Linley finds herself unexpectedly and painfully the guardian of Ard’s baby: a child that needs her protection from the greed-filled schemes of a violent man.

Ard knows he has no hope with Linley and decides to follow his own path: one that brings him close to redemption. But when he learns Linley and the child are in danger, his own child at that, he cannot stop himself speeding to their aid.

Will he prevail? Can Linley find it in her heart to forgive him? Or will their love come to nothing at the hands of a violent man?

A compulsively readable historical adventure, set on the banks of the mighty Murray River.

[Glenys · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping venture into the life and times of women in the mid 1890s in Australia, particularly in rural settings; but the legal situation for married women generally was disenfranchisement.
A woman's lot was to cook, clean, bear children and accept her husband as master, be he kind or cruel. In this era men were in difficult situations due to loss of work, drought and an approaching financial depression. Many turned to drink and violence and their battered wives had no-where to turn unless they could be helped by CeeCee, her partner James and niece, Linley.
This story is quite frightening and should make women in 2020 appreciate their freedoms which came at a high cost for many women in the past.

[Shereen Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darry Fraser has transported me back to 1890 Australia around the great Murray River and life as it was back then. And showing the reader on how tough life was back then.
I loved this story it is beautiful, caring and emotional, what these people went through with such a vile wicked man for greed was painful at times but my god the strength that these woman especially showed had me cheering them on and the men that do help in a world that was slowly changing. As for Linley can she ever forgive Ard for the mistake he made and forge together a future with baby Toby and still caring for the women that needed so much help.
This book is a bonzer saga and I could almost picture the locations in and around Echuca. Highly recommended for lovers of Australian historical fiction.

[Kate Gissell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great read! This is my first book by Darry Fraser and I loved it!
I have only recently started reading Australian Historical Fictions and I must say we have produced some brilliant authors with Darry Fraser right there alongside them!
I love the descriptive way Darry writes, she effortlessly transports you right back to the 1800s on the Murray River alongside the characters.
The storyline was enjoyable and not so different to struggles in today's society.
This is a book that leaves you wanting more, you don't want it to end and you don't want to put it down! In fact I have already started her book Daughter of the Murray and am enjoying that just as much!
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Harlequin for the chance to read and discover another great Australian author.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars.
This is my first Darry Fraser book and I had high hopes. The plot seemed interesting, definitely up my alley, and the ratings were pretty high. Sadly, I didn't like it as much as I hoped. The good thing about this book was the writing, for the most part. The characters as individuals were well-written but some of the characters' interaction with other people felt flat. I also didn't feel as if there was a lot of chemistry between Ard and Linley.

Even though my expectations were not quite met, I am still willing to give another one of her books a go.

[Maree Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a few of Darry's books now so I had high expectations for this one. She certainly didn't disappoint.
Again she has created wonderfully real characters, most of whom are easy to love and care about.
There are also several unsavoury characters who certainly made my blood boil.
That is a good indication to me of excellent writing skills, engaging the reader and making us feel like we are actually there, watching the events unfold but unable to participate.
Thank you Darry for another fantastic read.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It did take a few chapters for me to get into this historical story based in country Victoria in the 1890s. The story features the sometimes hard to read issue of domestic violence and the people willing to fight on their behalf. It made me appreciate the way that laws and people's attitudes have changed, but unfortunately some things have not. Strong female characters are a highlight, along with the men who support them. Overall a solid Australian historical story that moves at a great pace.

[Michelle Hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book should have a trigger warning for domestic violence.

I really like the way Darry Fraser featured domestic violence and societal beliefs as the background for this book. It did make me wonder whether there were any vigilantes or "do-gooders" who helped women escape from domestic violence in Australia in the 1890s or whether it's more of a fanciful notion on the author's part. Either way, it was a captivating story that is set in rural Australia.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook and I quite enjoyed the story.

Perhaps the climax was almost the end of the quick pace of the book and it was less interesting after that. However it was intrigued in the various towns discussed - Bendigo and Echuca in this historic time of 1890. I enjoyed hearing about the different modes of transport and the farming life.

I felt that this book was more enjoyable than The Widow of Ballarat.

[Molly Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

—————————
👎🏻🤠🥰My Book Review 🥰🤠👍🏻

My rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Genres: historical fiction romance

Age Rating: 16+

For people who..: historical fiction

My Opinion:


To say I read this book in under a hour is probably enough said of how much I loved it. Ard… he was so…
I loved his character so much.
The story, Toby and Linley..
Highly recommend

Will I read it again?
Yes
Will I buy the book? Yes

Song that suits it:
Yes
❤️❤️Happy reading❤️❤️

[Vicki Robe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book as much as Daughters of the Murray.

The story line was an intriguing, riveting, and a page-turning wander back into Australian history. An earlier time when life was very different to today's life style.

I can't wait for the next installment of life and times on the Murray!

[Julie]

Interesting story - including historically. References to Chaffey Bros irrigation, coming of railways, private women's refuges, married women's legal rights. I bought it because I've been reading a lot of things about the Murray since Scrublands.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very enjoyable book from Darry Fraser. The themes of domestic violence and women’s rights are always well worth exploring. The setting and historical background are also interesting. Although the ending was clearly telegraphed, it was fun seeing all the issues resolve themselves.

[destinypotato14 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slay I love that and I literally love so many of the men kn that book lol. James, ard, Sam, lorcan, Liam. Lol there's a few. Anyway it was rlly good and I HATE whatsisface so much I'm gonna kill him myself at this point.