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No Hearts of Gold
SOME GIRLS ARE BORN TO BE LOVED,
SOME ARE BORN TO BE USEFUL,
AND SOME ARE BORN TO BE BAD ...
Indulged and wealthy Kat Fitzhubert is sold in an arranged marriage to a colony across the world. Lady Viola Montefiore is the dark-skinned changeling of a ducal family, kept hidden and then shipped away. Titania Boot is as broad as a carthorse, and as useful.
On the long sea voyage from their homeland of England, these three women are fast bonded in an unlikely friendship. In the turmoil of 1850s Australia - which has reinvented itself from convict colony to a land of gold rushes and illusive riches - one woman forges a business empire, while another turns to illegal brewery, working alongside a bushranger as the valleys around her are destroyed. The third vanishes on her wedding day, in a scandal that will intrigue and mystify Sydney's polite society and beyond.
In this magnificent and broad-sweeping saga, award-winning author Jackie French defies the myth of colonial women as merely wives, servants, petty thieves or whores. Instead, in this masterful storyteller's hands, these three women will be arbiters of a destiny far richer than the bewitching glitter and lure of gold.
SOME ARE BORN TO BE USEFUL,
AND SOME ARE BORN TO BE BAD ...
Indulged and wealthy Kat Fitzhubert is sold in an arranged marriage to a colony across the world. Lady Viola Montefiore is the dark-skinned changeling of a ducal family, kept hidden and then shipped away. Titania Boot is as broad as a carthorse, and as useful.
On the long sea voyage from their homeland of England, these three women are fast bonded in an unlikely friendship. In the turmoil of 1850s Australia - which has reinvented itself from convict colony to a land of gold rushes and illusive riches - one woman forges a business empire, while another turns to illegal brewery, working alongside a bushranger as the valleys around her are destroyed. The third vanishes on her wedding day, in a scandal that will intrigue and mystify Sydney's polite society and beyond.
In this magnificent and broad-sweeping saga, award-winning author Jackie French defies the myth of colonial women as merely wives, servants, petty thieves or whores. Instead, in this masterful storyteller's hands, these three women will be arbiters of a destiny far richer than the bewitching glitter and lure of gold.
416 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2021
67 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
Jackie French
320 books865 followersJackie is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator and the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2014-2015. She is regarded as one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors, and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction. In her capacity as Australian Children’s Laureate, ‘Share a Story’ will be the primary philosophy behind Jackie’s two-year term.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
April 21, 2025
Three women from very different backgrounds, bound by friendship.
‘Some girls are born to be loved, some are born to be useful, and some are born to be bad…’
‘Some girls are born to be loved, some are born to be useful, and some are born to be bad…’
January 6, 2022
The story was on track for a four star rating and then a plot twist that I had suspected would come did come, and I downgraded it to 3.5 stars. The plot twist was simply too convenient and, in my view, unnecessary and led to a story that was far too happy in the end.
But as always, fantastic story telling by Jackie French. I've really enjoyed all her historical novels bar one ("Miss Lily's Lovely Ladies").
But as always, fantastic story telling by Jackie French. I've really enjoyed all her historical novels bar one ("Miss Lily's Lovely Ladies").
January 7, 2022
I loved the characters and the feminist perspective on life in the Australian colonies and was totally in love with this book until the final 80 pages. A plot twist isn’t really a twist unless it’s unexpected. Tying up loose ends in this way was a little trite, in my opinion.
December 30, 2021
4.5*
She was suffocating in this room and under that small sky. Surely, in a land as large as Australia, one might rid oneself of any husband who was too repressive, or even one who loved as immoderately as Papa had loved.
No Hearts of Gold, is a wonderful new story from Jackie French about three very different women who forge new lives for themselves in colonial New South Wales. Jackie is Australian royalty when it comes to writing and her historical fiction works are outstanding.
Yet Viola had discovered that smiling at the world also came at a cost. When you smiled at people and met their eyes you noticed the most fleeting of their expressions - the shadowed eyes despite cheerful faces, envy, fear or loneliness. Smiling was one of the coins you paid for love, but it meant you paid in other ways, for when you smiled you learned to care.
The three leading protagonists - Kat, Viola and Titania - are very different yet come together to make a new life in a new land. It is their friendship and what each of them brings from their past, that provides the support needed to survive in this new colony. What Jackie does best is give a voice to the women from Australia’s past and through her meticulous research invites her readers to walk with the women on a most compelling journey.
No Hearts of Gold is superb reading and testimony once again just as to why Jackie French is so revered as a writer when it comes to Australian historical dramas.
It was a way of linking the joy-filled girl that she had been with the fulfilled
woman she was now. She smiled and lifted the teapot and filled the cups again with
the smooth liquid which was not only tea. Some girls were not born to be good.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
She was suffocating in this room and under that small sky. Surely, in a land as large as Australia, one might rid oneself of any husband who was too repressive, or even one who loved as immoderately as Papa had loved.
No Hearts of Gold, is a wonderful new story from Jackie French about three very different women who forge new lives for themselves in colonial New South Wales. Jackie is Australian royalty when it comes to writing and her historical fiction works are outstanding.
Yet Viola had discovered that smiling at the world also came at a cost. When you smiled at people and met their eyes you noticed the most fleeting of their expressions - the shadowed eyes despite cheerful faces, envy, fear or loneliness. Smiling was one of the coins you paid for love, but it meant you paid in other ways, for when you smiled you learned to care.
The three leading protagonists - Kat, Viola and Titania - are very different yet come together to make a new life in a new land. It is their friendship and what each of them brings from their past, that provides the support needed to survive in this new colony. What Jackie does best is give a voice to the women from Australia’s past and through her meticulous research invites her readers to walk with the women on a most compelling journey.
No Hearts of Gold is superb reading and testimony once again just as to why Jackie French is so revered as a writer when it comes to Australian historical dramas.
It was a way of linking the joy-filled girl that she had been with the fulfilled
woman she was now. She smiled and lifted the teapot and filled the cups again with
the smooth liquid which was not only tea. Some girls were not born to be good.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
January 20, 2022
3.5 stars for an entertaining and interesting novel. A vivid picture of life in the colony of NSW from the perspective of three women who formed an enduring friendship. Unfortunately the ending was a little trite for my liking, but overall a good read.
August 25, 2025
Jackie’s historical fiction makes me want to move to a valley, befriend wombats and churn butter (I never want to run out of her books)
December 30, 2021
BOOK REVIEW: No Hearts Of Gold by Jackie French.
A story set in the 1850s during the convict colony of NSW Australia where 3 women form a friendship that endure a horrific boat journey to Australia let alone what follows.
Kat Fitzhubert come from a wealthy family and that did not want for anything. She was outspoken with quick wit. After a horrible tragedy she was left orphaned and married off to a stranger in NSW.
The young Lady Viola Montefiore was from a ducal family who hid her away and shipped her off to NSW due to her skin colour.
Titania Boot is a strong, tall broad women with an eye for business. After the death of her cruel husband the business fell to a hopeless family member and left her destitute where she become Lady Violas Companion for the journey to NSW where she hope to begin her own business venture.
The unlikely friends shared a common interest, a fresh start in the land of Australia where lady's were either husbands properties or whore's. Not so for these 3 ladies. Their lives included intrigue, a business empire, illegal brewing, conspiring with bush rangers and a disappearance after a wedding day.
These 3 woman were inspirational, strong and had a friendship that brought hope.
Thanks @harpercollinsaustralia for the gifted copy. 3 stars from me.
A story set in the 1850s during the convict colony of NSW Australia where 3 women form a friendship that endure a horrific boat journey to Australia let alone what follows.
Kat Fitzhubert come from a wealthy family and that did not want for anything. She was outspoken with quick wit. After a horrible tragedy she was left orphaned and married off to a stranger in NSW.
The young Lady Viola Montefiore was from a ducal family who hid her away and shipped her off to NSW due to her skin colour.
Titania Boot is a strong, tall broad women with an eye for business. After the death of her cruel husband the business fell to a hopeless family member and left her destitute where she become Lady Violas Companion for the journey to NSW where she hope to begin her own business venture.
The unlikely friends shared a common interest, a fresh start in the land of Australia where lady's were either husbands properties or whore's. Not so for these 3 ladies. Their lives included intrigue, a business empire, illegal brewing, conspiring with bush rangers and a disappearance after a wedding day.
These 3 woman were inspirational, strong and had a friendship that brought hope.
Thanks @harpercollinsaustralia for the gifted copy. 3 stars from me.
January 7, 2022
A moving book, with an plot with twists and turns, with some thought-provoking lines about love, identity, relationships and women's roles and place in colonial Australia.
September 3, 2022
‘It was impossible, all agreed later.’
Three very different women meet while sailing for New South Wales, aboard the Salamanca in March 1849. Kat Fitzhubert is travelling to an arranged marriage after a tragedy left her bereft of family and fortune. Lady Viola Montefiore, dark-skinned daughter of a ducal family, is being sent away from polite company to live with a guardian. Her companion, the widowed Titania Boot, is well-organised with an eye for business. During the long journey the three women become close friends.
By the 1850s, New South Wales is no longer just a convict colony. In partnership, Mrs Boot establishes a business empire. Kat makes a life in the countryside, only to see the land around her destroyed. And lady Viola vanishes on her wedding day.
I enjoyed most of this novel: Ms French gives us three very different women, each facing different challenges and each capable of making her own way within New South Wales. There is plenty of intrigue, including dealings with a bushranger and illegal brewing. I admired Titania Boot’s business acumen and Kat’s ingenuity and hoped that Lady Viola would find happiness. But there were a couple of twists towards the end which reminded me that while anything is possible in fiction, some things are too improbable to fit comfortably.
If you enjoy historical fiction set in 19th century Australia, you may enjoy this. Ms French is a prolific and versatile storyteller and while this novel is not one of my favourites, it is intriguing.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Three very different women meet while sailing for New South Wales, aboard the Salamanca in March 1849. Kat Fitzhubert is travelling to an arranged marriage after a tragedy left her bereft of family and fortune. Lady Viola Montefiore, dark-skinned daughter of a ducal family, is being sent away from polite company to live with a guardian. Her companion, the widowed Titania Boot, is well-organised with an eye for business. During the long journey the three women become close friends.
By the 1850s, New South Wales is no longer just a convict colony. In partnership, Mrs Boot establishes a business empire. Kat makes a life in the countryside, only to see the land around her destroyed. And lady Viola vanishes on her wedding day.
I enjoyed most of this novel: Ms French gives us three very different women, each facing different challenges and each capable of making her own way within New South Wales. There is plenty of intrigue, including dealings with a bushranger and illegal brewing. I admired Titania Boot’s business acumen and Kat’s ingenuity and hoped that Lady Viola would find happiness. But there were a couple of twists towards the end which reminded me that while anything is possible in fiction, some things are too improbable to fit comfortably.
If you enjoy historical fiction set in 19th century Australia, you may enjoy this. Ms French is a prolific and versatile storyteller and while this novel is not one of my favourites, it is intriguing.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
January 11, 2022
Three young women: Kat Fitzhubert, left orphaned from a disgraced family, who agrees to sail out to Australia to marry a man she has never met; Lady Viola Montefiore is the 'family secret', hidden away from English society because of the colour of her skin &, after the death of her mother, is shipped off to become the ward of a distant cousin; & Titania Boot, widow & competent business woman who is travelling as Lady Viola's companion to a new life.
All three become close friends during the voyage to Australia in the 1850s & the book follows their intertwined lives as they face harsh conditions, unscrupulous goldrush claimers, & the constraints of being a woman in those times. This isn't my usual genre of book, but the synopsis caught my attention. It turned out to be a good read, with interesting, distinct, strong female characters. The attention to detail in the descriptions were excellent, & I found myself invested in hoping their lives turned out to be all they hoped in spite of their challenges.
All three become close friends during the voyage to Australia in the 1850s & the book follows their intertwined lives as they face harsh conditions, unscrupulous goldrush claimers, & the constraints of being a woman in those times. This isn't my usual genre of book, but the synopsis caught my attention. It turned out to be a good read, with interesting, distinct, strong female characters. The attention to detail in the descriptions were excellent, & I found myself invested in hoping their lives turned out to be all they hoped in spite of their challenges.
January 5, 2023
This was my first book to read in 2023 and I couldn't be more pleased to say how great this book was. No Hearts of Gold was filled with female empowerment, historical fiction, and scandal. The romance and tragedy is an equal balance throughout the story with the three main characters.
March 25, 2022
A good read, a testament to being strong women and the determination to make their own decisions and lives better
September 13, 2024
The final third of this was a little disappointing. A decent enough read. Lovely setting descriptions
June 10, 2022
Loved this! I was apprehensive to begin with as I know Jackie French as more of a children’s author. But I was overtly surprised and delighted by this gem.
March 4, 2022
Fair warning that this is the first book that I’ve read that is based on Australian colonial history. I felt like the first half of the book was bit of drag and around 200 pages in when the plot starts thickening, the book gets really interesting very quickly. I like that French handled sensitive topics with great dexterity. The female characters of the book are so likeable and admirable and I love the book for that. The “plot twist” if it can even be called that was so obvious.
January 24, 2022
Interesting setting but a bit drawn out.
April 26, 2022
Another brilliant historical fiction from one of my favourite authors - Jackie French.
Detailed locations and events with empathetic, varied characters, and a few unexpected twists. What's not to like? Another title to add to my Jackie French shelf and reread over time (with all the books in the Matilda series.)
SOME GIRLS ARE BORN TO BE LOVED, SOME ARE BORN TO BE USEFUL, AND SOME ARE BORN TO BE BAD ... Indulged and wealthy Kat Fitzhubert is sold in an arranged marriage to a colony across the world. Lady Viola Montefiore is the dark-skinned changeling of a ducal family, kept hidden and then shipped away. Titania Boot is as broad as a carthorse, and as useful. On the long sea voyage from their homeland of England, these three women are fast bonded in an unlikely friendship. In the turmoil of 1850s Australia - which has reinvented itself from convict colony to a land of gold rushes and illusive riches - one woman forges a business empire, while another turns to illegal brewery, working alongside a bushranger as the valleys around her are destroyed. The third vanishes on her wedding day, in a scandal that will intrigue and mystify Sydney's polite society and beyond. In this magnificent and broad-sweeping saga, award-winning author Jackie French defies the myth of colonial women as merely wives, servants, petty thieves or whores. Instead, in this masterful storyteller's hands, these three women will be arbiters of a destiny far richer than the bewitching glitter and lure of gold.
Detailed locations and events with empathetic, varied characters, and a few unexpected twists. What's not to like? Another title to add to my Jackie French shelf and reread over time (with all the books in the Matilda series.)
SOME GIRLS ARE BORN TO BE LOVED, SOME ARE BORN TO BE USEFUL, AND SOME ARE BORN TO BE BAD ... Indulged and wealthy Kat Fitzhubert is sold in an arranged marriage to a colony across the world. Lady Viola Montefiore is the dark-skinned changeling of a ducal family, kept hidden and then shipped away. Titania Boot is as broad as a carthorse, and as useful. On the long sea voyage from their homeland of England, these three women are fast bonded in an unlikely friendship. In the turmoil of 1850s Australia - which has reinvented itself from convict colony to a land of gold rushes and illusive riches - one woman forges a business empire, while another turns to illegal brewery, working alongside a bushranger as the valleys around her are destroyed. The third vanishes on her wedding day, in a scandal that will intrigue and mystify Sydney's polite society and beyond. In this magnificent and broad-sweeping saga, award-winning author Jackie French defies the myth of colonial women as merely wives, servants, petty thieves or whores. Instead, in this masterful storyteller's hands, these three women will be arbiters of a destiny far richer than the bewitching glitter and lure of gold.
May 10, 2023
I love Jackie French, and really enjoy the inundation of history that often comes with her books. 'No Hearts of Gold' was no exception, following the impact of the gold rush on the young colonial town of Sydney. An undoubtedly fascinating read inspired by real events and Jackie's drive to present the often ignored perspective of women in history, this book was a disappointingly gentle read.
While I enjoyed following the development of the women throughout the story, it felt quite lacking in tension. This story felt similar to television series like 'Downton Abbey' or 'Brigerton' in its effort to appeal to modern audiences by portraying characters with almost modern political views that were conveniently concealed or never true plot points. The story would often steer toward significant events that seemed to gently subside without true consequence. This is a nice, easy read with a happy ending, and again, I did enjoy it, but I would not recommend it. Sorry Jackie!
While I enjoyed following the development of the women throughout the story, it felt quite lacking in tension. This story felt similar to television series like 'Downton Abbey' or 'Brigerton' in its effort to appeal to modern audiences by portraying characters with almost modern political views that were conveniently concealed or never true plot points. The story would often steer toward significant events that seemed to gently subside without true consequence. This is a nice, easy read with a happy ending, and again, I did enjoy it, but I would not recommend it. Sorry Jackie!
June 21, 2022
3.65 ⭐
I am not generally a historical fiction reader. I read this book for my bookclub, and this genre is reaaallly just not for me. For me to be able enjoy it, it has to be EXCEPTIONAL.
I did like the storyline of this book. It's about the lives of three women travelling to Sydney when Australia is in its early stages of development, and it continues through the gold rush. The characters were all well thought out and had separate, distinct personalities.
There was a plot twist at the end, and I definitely would have enjoyed this book more if it hadn't been SO OBVIOUS what was going to happen. Or maybe if there had been a second plot twist after and what we thought happened wasn't what happened. Just an idea.
All in all, not a bad read, but I'm unlikely to ever desire a re-read. ✌️
I am not generally a historical fiction reader. I read this book for my bookclub, and this genre is reaaallly just not for me. For me to be able enjoy it, it has to be EXCEPTIONAL.
I did like the storyline of this book. It's about the lives of three women travelling to Sydney when Australia is in its early stages of development, and it continues through the gold rush. The characters were all well thought out and had separate, distinct personalities.
There was a plot twist at the end, and I definitely would have enjoyed this book more if it hadn't been SO OBVIOUS what was going to happen. Or maybe if there had been a second plot twist after and what we thought happened wasn't what happened. Just an idea.
All in all, not a bad read, but I'm unlikely to ever desire a re-read. ✌️
August 3, 2025
I listened to this book as an audiobook read by the breathy gentle voice of Abbe Holmes.
This book dealt with a lot of different stories at once with the 3 characters.
I have to say that Titania Boot with her practical enterprise and compassionate heart as my favourite.
Whilst I found the large wealth and lifestyle of Viola Montefiore difficult to relate to - it was interesting to view the world through her eyes.
I did love the references to food throughout the book and I can’t be sure that food on the colony was that plentiful, it was nice to imagine the meals.
The destructive nature of gold mining was interesting to reflect on.
Perhaps in comparison to the Angel of Waterloo the characters seemed more compelling than trying to get to know the 3 ladies in this story in more depth.
Hear Hear to Jackie French’s marvellous storytelling and historical relevance.
This book dealt with a lot of different stories at once with the 3 characters.
I have to say that Titania Boot with her practical enterprise and compassionate heart as my favourite.
Whilst I found the large wealth and lifestyle of Viola Montefiore difficult to relate to - it was interesting to view the world through her eyes.
I did love the references to food throughout the book and I can’t be sure that food on the colony was that plentiful, it was nice to imagine the meals.
The destructive nature of gold mining was interesting to reflect on.
Perhaps in comparison to the Angel of Waterloo the characters seemed more compelling than trying to get to know the 3 ladies in this story in more depth.
Hear Hear to Jackie French’s marvellous storytelling and historical relevance.
February 9, 2022
No Hearts of Gold is the story of 3 young women with vastly different backgrounds and statures in life find themselves in each others company on a voyage from England to the New South Wales colonies in the late 1800's.
They become the best of friends as they endure the long voyage, and stay the best of friends as they begin their lives in Australia. When Lady Viola suddenly disappears from her wedding, Kat and Titania are beside themselves and insist they don't know anything.
I haven't been a fond reader of Australian historical fiction, and this book hasn't favourably swayed me yet. I found the story very slow to start and couldn't see where the story was going. Although when the storyline started in the last 1/3 of the book, I couldn't put the book down.
They become the best of friends as they endure the long voyage, and stay the best of friends as they begin their lives in Australia. When Lady Viola suddenly disappears from her wedding, Kat and Titania are beside themselves and insist they don't know anything.
I haven't been a fond reader of Australian historical fiction, and this book hasn't favourably swayed me yet. I found the story very slow to start and couldn't see where the story was going. Although when the storyline started in the last 1/3 of the book, I couldn't put the book down.
April 19, 2022
Jackie French has an admirable writing style. I liked how Kat’s ‘voice’ often mellowed into an narration, sharing reason and putting events into perspective. I feel this sense of omniscience gave the story a depth of understand Kat, when Viola gave her grievances after returning from India.
I felt this book resembled French’s, Matilda Saga Series, (One of my favs) which stretches 7 novels. It has the charm of the first 3 books in the series, as well as the increased terror of the last books. Much like how ‘No hearts of gold’ charms is into the story then makes us feel dread for the characters as well as happiness. 5 stars.
I felt this book resembled French’s, Matilda Saga Series, (One of my favs) which stretches 7 novels. It has the charm of the first 3 books in the series, as well as the increased terror of the last books. Much like how ‘No hearts of gold’ charms is into the story then makes us feel dread for the characters as well as happiness. 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2022
https://denisenewtonwrites.com/?p=3386
No Hearts of Gold
Jackie French
No Hearts of Gold is another beauty of a Jackie French novel: a gripping mystery, a rollicking yarn, and an elegy to women’s strength and courage in a society that discouraged both.
No Hearts of Gold
Jackie French
No Hearts of Gold is another beauty of a Jackie French novel: a gripping mystery, a rollicking yarn, and an elegy to women’s strength and courage in a society that discouraged both.
February 3, 2022
The wonderful Jackie French has done it again: given us an absorbing, entertaining novel that showcases the strength, courage, friendships and complexity of women in Australian history.
I love everything I've read of hers, so why 4 stars?
Only because nothing can quite match the extraordinary Miss Lily series.
If you've not yet discovered Jackie's work, you have a treat in store. She's almost certainly our most prolific author, and every book she's written will enrich your mind, body and spirit.
Thank you, Jackie French!
I love everything I've read of hers, so why 4 stars?
Only because nothing can quite match the extraordinary Miss Lily series.
If you've not yet discovered Jackie's work, you have a treat in store. She's almost certainly our most prolific author, and every book she's written will enrich your mind, body and spirit.
Thank you, Jackie French!
April 27, 2022
Interesting book that covered three women and the difference in class,money and social standing. The past was what kept them together and each woman had a unique relationship with each other. Enjoyed the building of a farm and then about the gold rush. The illegal brewing. Lady viola being forced into a position that she did not want and found her uncle was a vile and evil man. Mrs boot down to earth and I thought adorable. The plot to get lady viola away form the uncle and having her vanish in sight of everyone on her wedding day I thoroughly enjoyed. Very enjoyable
July 16, 2023
Another delightful offering from prolific historical fiction author Jackie French.
Featuring a cast of 3 women thrown together by circumstance who manage to use their meagre resources to defy the mores of a colonial society where, traditionally, women had little power.
The story is set against 1850s Australia, in the grips of gold fever. As usual, French's meticulous historical research fascinates, yet her easy prose makes for delightful reading. I loved her tongue-in-cheek plot twists and the vivid evocation of a colonial Australia, struggling to find its identity.
Featuring a cast of 3 women thrown together by circumstance who manage to use their meagre resources to defy the mores of a colonial society where, traditionally, women had little power.
The story is set against 1850s Australia, in the grips of gold fever. As usual, French's meticulous historical research fascinates, yet her easy prose makes for delightful reading. I loved her tongue-in-cheek plot twists and the vivid evocation of a colonial Australia, struggling to find its identity.
October 20, 2024
An easy read & a warming story of friendship, determination & survival of three women in Colonial Australia.
Born & bred in very different circumstances the 3 women share rooms for 8 weeks on a sailing ship bound for Australia. They soon develop a deep friendship as they share their past. Their future in Australia is uncertain but the course of their friendship is strongly defined.
Events & society modes are accurately described giving a realistic view of life for women in the mid 1800’s.
Loved the descriptions of the bush, the food, the life & times.
Born & bred in very different circumstances the 3 women share rooms for 8 weeks on a sailing ship bound for Australia. They soon develop a deep friendship as they share their past. Their future in Australia is uncertain but the course of their friendship is strongly defined.
Events & society modes are accurately described giving a realistic view of life for women in the mid 1800’s.
Loved the descriptions of the bush, the food, the life & times.
July 10, 2025
This book was about three women from different circumstances who travelled from England to Australia. It is set in the 1840s-1850s. It was quite slow in developing the plot. It got more interesting after about halfway, but that is a lot of reading to get through before the plot gets interesting. I felt that there was a bit too much detail at times, especially about what food was being served. In the end, it was cleverly written and an interesting story, but it could have been shorter. I feel like the author tried to include too many themes in it. Overall, it was okay but not a standout.
May 12, 2022
I enjoyed reading the story of three women from very different backgrounds who forged a strong friendship on the boat sailing to Sydney. Their lives in the colony are also very different experiences, but their friendship sees them constantly connected. There were many times that the three women knew that the actions they chose were not morally right, but were needed to survive. The story also highlights the strength of women in the new colony, despite having no legal rights.
May 30, 2023
Three very different women travel by boat from London to Australia in 1849: Lady Viola, Tatiana (her companion) and engaged Kat. They become friends and the novel explores al of their stories which intertwine. This was an engaging read until the last section when the author seemed in a rush to tie up loose ends so everyone was happy. It was disappointing; up until then I had been really enjoying it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews